Within the Walls of Allendor

----- the wind whispers through the pass ----

-----  yellow eyes burn behind her, the growls so close as the wolves stalk her -----

Imari: (trembling in fear, pushing her body to the limits as she runs through the pass)

---- they're close... so close that their breath is hot on the back of her legs -----

Imari: (realizing she is going to die here, in this strange land, alone...crying out, as pictures of her father, Staza, and Arissa flash before her..) ((Arissa...NOOOO....I'm so sorry)) 

---------sssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhtttttttttttttttt--- An arrow zings past her ---------

---- the old male wolf cries out as he tumbles off his feet, struck in the chest ----

Imari: (stumbles forward, unsure of what is happening)

--- the female skids to a stop, her yellow eyes moving from the male, writhing on the ground, to the girl ------

---- growling she backs away ------

----shhhhhhhhhhhttttttt ----- Another arrows ends the males suffering -

-- the female turns and runs back to the pack without looking back ----

Imari: (whipping her head around to the wolves, eyes widening as she spots the arrow protruding from the large male, turning slowly around to look before her)

--- out of the darkness ahead of her on the trail comes a rider ----

Imari: (relief flooding her as she realizes her death is not imminent, her body shaking violently)

---- the moon comes out from behind the clouds and baths the rider it it's eerie light as he stops beside her ----

Xavier: (lowers a hand to help her up)

Imari: (lips trembling, clasping his hand and pulling herself  up, her eyes never leaving his)

Xavier: (settles her on the saddle before him, his arms on either side of her as he takes the reins up) Your people are foolish. There was no trade. The Dark only lies..

Imari: (twisting around and hugging her arms around his waist, pressing her face against his check, momentarily feeling so safe)

Xavier: (closes an arm around her, the other staying on the reins) Where do they wait.. (his eyes focusing on the trail the way she came)

Imari: (her heart finally slowing down, feeling as if she is able to speak coherently) Arissa...I've come to trade for Arissa.  (shaking her head slowly) They would not let me come....I had to leave in the night.  I cannot let Arissa suffer because of me...she has already known too much pain..

Xavier: (exhales) Then they are not near.... how much lead do you have on them?

Imari: Four hours I think...it seemed like an eternity. (her voice soft) I was so scared I would not make it....the messenger, he said we were to meet in the pass......where is Arissa?

Xavier: (turns his horse toward Allendor) Then there is no choice. We ride to Allendor... before Jaeger's men come for you.....

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

---- a new day dawns, bringing rolling thunder in the distance, the streets of Allendor fills with the sounds of "day". The market place coming to life as vendors arrive to sell their wares and call out to the shoppers, the fishermen’s wives calling to their husbands as they depart for the sea, children running beside their fathers chattering loudly -----

Jaeger: (sleeps soundly on his back, head to the side, naked still, the scarred cheek turned up to the ceiling)

--- a patch of sunlight on the floor slowly grows and spreads across the animal skins ----

Arissa: (eyes opening, coming instantly awake with the light of dawn, staying completely still)

Arissa: (recognition flaring at the new surroundings, the soreness of her body strange to her)

Arissa: (slowly turning over away from the wall towards Jaeger's sleeping form)

Arissa: (studying him intently for a moment)

Jaeger: (in sleep he looks peaceful, even kindly, his lips full and not turned down to brood, his hair fallen off his forehead, even the scar almost blends to the rest of his bronzed skin)

Arissa: (emotions swelling in her chest...hatred, fear, and something elusive, quickly calming herself and being ever so careful she slips from the bed)

Jaeger: (his eyes crack open as he feels the movement of the bed, but otherwise he does not twitch a muscle)

Arissa: (picking up his shirt from the floor and slipping it on, unminding that it dwarfs her and falls to her knees, running her fingers through her hair as she steps lightly across the floorboards and presses her ear to the door)

--- outside the door there is the sound of footfalls passing, voices talking in some foreign language ------

Arissa: (biting her lip, deep in concentration, staring perfectly still, careful not to even hear the sound of her breath, hears the voices pass,  slips down to the floor to check for shadows under the door, wanting to make certain)

------ the door is locked, a great round metal keyhole big enough to peer through -----

Arissa: (peeks through the keyhole, biting her lip again as she glances about the room, looking for something to pick the lock with)

E'nasha: (moving toward the door with a tray)

Miadon: (walking beside her) Wait. He sleeps.

Arissa: (spying E'nasha coming, stilling)

E'nasha: (looks at Miadon) But he must eat.

Miadon: Patience. Set the tray aside.

Arissa: (eases back from the keyhole, moving next to the frame of the door, pressing herself back against the wall, listening)

E'nasha: (sighs, setting the tray on a table beside the door and waits until Miadon has walked on before lowering her eye to the keyhole)

Arissa: (hearing the retreating footsteps, looks back through the keyhole)

E'nasha: (her dark eyes widen as she sees someone peering back) (gasps)

Arissa: (doesn't make a sound, her pulse racing as she sees E'nasha peering through)

Arissa: (wondering if she could get her to open the door...looking back to the bed to make sure Jaeger is still soundly asleep)

E'nasha: (whispers) Does he sleep?

Arissa: Yes (her voice a faint whisper)

E'nasha: (looks back over her shoulder)

E'nasha: (whispers again) Shall you bathe and eat now?

Arissa: (wets her lips, before whispering again) Yes.. (daring to hope)

----- there is a moment of silence as E'nasha disappears -----

Arissa: (sighs, putting her forehead against the door)

----- then the lock clicks and the door eases open, creaking once ---

Arissa: (eyes widening, wincing at the small creek, quickly looking back to Jaeger again)

E'nasha: (swings the door open carefully)

Arissa: (moving off to the side of the door, heart racing, going over her options..)  ((dart out as soon as she is through the door, wait until she leaves and hopes she doesn't lock it again...)) 

E'nasha: (motions to her) Come to the bath.

Arissa: (gives Jaeger one last look, hoping it is the last she ever sees him again and moves forward through the door)

E'nasha: (her jewelry jingling as she moves ahead, leading the way to the stairs)

--- the second floor hall is lined with windows, the shutters are all open, letting the sunshine in, and barred to make the house a fortress in times of unrest ---

Arissa: (following E’nasha  down the hall, her eyes darting all around, taking in the surroundings, mentally grimacing at the sight of all the bars on the windows, wondering if she could fit through...but not wanting to take a chance on getting stuck)

E'nasha: (her small bare feet sure footed on the stairs as she leads her down to the spacious first floor, one large wooden door has daylight beaming in beneath it, and a large guard standing beside)

Arissa: (staying silent, eyeing the guard, mentally disregarding the windows and doors as means of escape, wondering if their are any back doors or terraces)

E'nasha: (leads her to another stairs down, where the bathing pool is, warm water bubbling up in the middle of it from the spring beneath)

Arissa: (familiar with this part of the house, starts down the steps towards the pool, whispering) Might you get me something more appropriate to wear?

E'nasha: (her voice is light, appealing to the ear) I will bring you something while you bath.. (she stops, flourishing a hand toward the pool)

Arissa: (smiles sadly at her) Thank you..  (steps down towards the pool, slipping out of her shirt and stepping in the bath, hoping she will feel comfortable to leave)

E'nasha: (smiles back and turns, leaving swiftly)

Arissa: (hating that she could see her scars, but realizing there was no time for modesty, watching her leave then jumping nimbly out of the pool almost instantaneously, pulling the shirt back over her head as she makes for the stairs)

---- another slave girl looks up from her cleaning, to watch Arissa pass ----

Arissa: (moving swiftly through the corridor, heading to the back of the house)

---- there is a terrace at the back, barred double doors lead into the courtyard --- this door is kept locked ----

Arissa: (jiggles the door, her fists clenching as they don't budge, trying to calm herself and go over her options..)

Arissa: (slips into the first empty room)

Arissa: ((the windows are barred....the back doors are locked....the front door is guarded...and most of the household is awake...))

---- it is a library, the walls filled with books and scrolls ---

Arissa: (looks around, realizing she is in the library...looking longingly at all the books, then turning quickly to scan the room for a fire place)

--- there is no fireplace -----

Arissa: (curses inwardly at her bad fortune, trying hard to think, knowing she hasn't much time...)  ((it would be so much easier to slip out in the dark...while everyone is asleep ...))  (scanning the room, a new thought forming, looking for a place to hide)

E'nasha: (returns to find her gone)

Arissa: (taking a deep breath, realizing the house is built like a fortress, and there is no easy hiding places where she could lay low until night)

E'nasha: (sets down the peach colored sarong and runs, jewelry jingling loudly up the stairs to look for her)

Arissa: (hears E'nasha jingling, opens the door to the library to meet her in the hall)

E'nasha: (stops, seeing her, laying a hand in relief on her own chest)

Arissa: (closes the door to the library softly behind her) I think I'll finish bathing now..

E'nasha: You must not wander around unattended.

Arissa: (nods slowly, her shoulders sagging in dejection)

Arissa: (refusing to give up hope) ((there HAS to be a way out of here..))

E'nasha: (leading her back to the bath) I have laid out clothing for you. Would you like a bracelet? (her expression hopeful, eager to please)

Arissa: (looking at her face again) I would not want to take your things, what little you have must be precious to you.  But, I thank you for your kindness...  (glancing down at the clothing she brought, running the material through her fingers)

E'nasha: Master brings me more.

---- there are footsteps echoing on the stairs ----

Arissa: (wondering if the clothing would even fit, quickly turning her head towards the stairwell, alert)

Jaeger: (steps out of the shadows of the stairwell, fully dressed, boots on, his sword slung on his hip)

E'nasha: (bows her head to him)

Jaeger: (stands there, one foot on the lowest step)

Arissa: (remains perfectly still, looking at him, her gaze moving down to his sword)

Jaeger: I will be back after the noon.

Arissa: What is to become of me? (lifting her chin slightly, a mixture of curiosity and dread sweeping through her as she waits for his response)

Jaeger: (sweeps his gaze up over her) You will remain here. Bathe. Eat. Lie about... whatever. Walk in the courtyard if you wish. But do not leave these walls.

Arissa: (cocks her head to the side) And then?

Jaeger: (lifts his chin) There is no then.... (his boots scrape as he turns to walk up the stairs)

Arissa: (wondering what that means, watching him leave, her eyes glued to his sword again, wondering if it is the same sword that struck down her father)

Jaeger: (his footfall fades as he ascends the stairs)

Arissa: (lets out a breath she had not realized she had been holding)

E'nasha: I will bring you fruit. (turns, little steps taking her toward the stairs)

Arissa: (watches E'nasha leave) Thank you...  (disrobing and slipping into the bath, wondering aloud) What does he mean there is no then..

E'nasha: (pauses at the stairs and turns to answer her) He means... that is all there will be for you.

Arissa: He will kill me then, when he returns? There will be nothing after I bathe and eat and stroll about the courtyard

E'nasha: (cocks her head)

E'nasha: No. (shakes her head) I think he means to keep you. (her voice a revered whisper) Forever.

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

--- in a bedroom of a house nearby, it's courtyard wall bordering the courtyard of the House of the Dark, Xavier sleeps, one arm around the woman lying on his chest asleep ----

Imari: (her breathing deep and even, sleeping sound, the exhaustion of the previous day weighing on her)

Xavier: (opens his eyes, quickly turning his head toward the window, noting the measure of the sun on the floor)

Imari: (her long blonde tresses spread out around them, her fingers curling on his chest)

Xavier: (carefully slips out from under Imari, laying her on the soft quilt on the bed)

Imari: (protesting lightly at the loss of warmth before settling back down in sleep)

Xavier: (walks naked across the room and opens his armoire, pulling a uniform out and dressing, casting glances to her as he does)

Imari: (making little noises in the back of her throat, rolling over onto her back, bringing her arm up to cover her eyes from the sun)

Xavier: (small smile) (then he sweeps his hair back in a golden ponytail and ties it)

Imari: (stretching, eyes still closed as sleep slips further and further away, mumbling)

Xavier: (moves to the bed, sitting on the edge and leaning, bracing himself over her) Princess...... Wake up my prize... (touches his lips to her cheek)

Imari: (lets her arm fall away, opening her eyes slowly, blinking the sleep away, her eyes focusing on his face, gasping, fully awake now)

Xavier: (smiles)

Imari: (jerks up into sitting position, eyes flying around the room, not even remembering how she got her)

Xavier: (pulls back barely in time to keep from getting conked in the head by her head)

Imari: Where am I??  (scooting backwards on the bed)

Xavier: You are in my household... in Allendor. You passed out on the trail as we rode, and I carried you here.

Imari: (searches her memory...remembering the trail...the wolves) You...you were there....the wolves...you saved me....((again))

Xavier: (the corners of his mouth rise)

Imari: (running a shaky hand through her hair, looking to him) Where is Arissa? Is she here? Will she be let free now?

Xavier: I have no control of that. (rises straightening his uniform) I have a meeting. Do not leave the house. It would be death for you out there.

Imari: What do you mean??  The messenger ....he said....he said if I did not come...that....(beginning to shake) I am here!!  She is to be let free!!

Xavier: Jaeger never had any intention of letting her go. Your father surely knew this. It was a trick. Nothing more.

Imari: No, I heard him...he said...(her voice trembling) "If the prize does not cross the pass by nightfall tomorrow, then the child will be ravaged.... "    My father, he killed the messenger and said we were to go home.  But, I couldn't....

Xavier: (shakes his head slowly) Imari.......................... she is long past virtue by now. And probably lucky if she is still alive. Forget about her. My only concern is  you now.

Imari: NO!!  Arissa is dear to me!! (covering her face with her hands) It was all for naught...I believed him...I believed he would let her go....I rode so hard...so long...my horse...

Xavier: (sighs) I don't have time now for this. I have to go. When you are ready come down. My houseman will take care of you. But I must leave now... (turns toward the door)

Imari: Will you take me back home when you return? (her voice small)

Xavier: (pauses in the door way looking back with a laugh)

Xavier: Upon my own certain death? No, I will not take you back.

Imari: Then I will go back alone!!  (glaring at him)

Imari: (her stomach sick inside, thinking about Arissa)

Xavier: (his brow furrows) You will go no where.... (slips out the door, slamming it, his boots heavy in the hall as he leaves)

Imari: (yells after him) WATCH ME!!

Imari: (standing up, then kicking at the bed)

Imari: (wincing as the pain shoot through her toes, cursing loudly)

Xavier: (pausing before he slips out the front door, calling back to his houseman) She is not to leave. If she does not behave, lock her up.

-- in the kitchen, two young women work, grinding grains to make flour, preparing for the evening meal even though it is not yet even mid morning---

Imari: (pacing back and forth in his room before venturing out into his house)

--- the houseman nods, he is no older than Xavier but he is dark skinned, burn scars on one side of his face and body ----

--- he walks with a slight limp but is otherwise of good build and muscle ---   

Imari: (nods back to him, taking pity upon seeing his scars, only guess how badly they must of hurt)

--- he bows to her, his teeth very white as he smiles ---

Hyku: I am Hyku. (rises from his bow)

Imari: I am Imari. (feeling awkward, standing before him in breeches and a shirt)

Hyku: You wish a bath?

Imari: (thinking a bath sounds heavenly) ((I wish to be out of here....)) Yes, if it is not too much of an inconvenience..

Imari: (cringing at her own foolishness) ((it was a trick....all a trick..))  (sighs)

Hyku: Follow me. (turns to lead her down to the spring fed pool)

Imari: (wondering how she will every face her father and brother again, wondering if she will ever have a chance, her steps heavy as she follows Hyku down to the pool)

Hyku: (sweeps a hand to the pool) I will bring you clothing and have food prepared.

Imari: (nods to him, walking over to the pool and trailing her hand in the water)

Imari: ((will you never learn....))

Hyku: (turns leaving her alone in the room, each sound echoing off the ceiling in the quiet room, the spring bubbling like a song)

Imari: (quickly undressed, slipping into the warm spring, her aching muscles relaxing) I cannot believe this is happening.  What have I done to deserve this??  And now...now I've resorted to talking to myself....Oh Staza....will you hate me forever..

--- her voice echoes off the water ---

Imari: Arissa....(tears automatically welling in her eyes) Oh Arissa, where are you..

Imari: (sinks further into the water, a picture of Jaeger flashing before her eyes) I will find a way, Arissa...I will find a way..

----- Hyku comes and lays a blue sarong out for her, his eyes turned down as he faces her ---

Hyku: Whenever you are ready. (he holds out a towel for her to step into, keeping his eyes down)

Imari: (watches him warily, but used to such servants at home, stepping out of the spring, wrapping the towel around her tightly)

Hyku: (bows his way out of the room, going up the stairs to leave her at peace)

--- upstairs he has set up food and drink at a table on the terrace for her,  shaded from the morning sun by the umbrella of a tree ---

Imari: (adjusting the blue sarong, unused to dressing without the help of her maid, feeling as if it is all too unreal as she heads out onto the terrace, glancing at the tray of food)

Imari: (her stomach rumbling loudly)

Imari: (her hair falling in loose waves down her back, picking at the fruit from the tray, glancing out from the terrace, surveying the surroundings)

Hyku: (stands off to the side, silently watching her)

Imari: (staring out, as she pops one piece after another of fruit in her mouth, wondering what she should do now)

Imari: (sideways glance at Hyku)

Hyku: (nods)

Imari: ((I have to get out of here...before he gets back...what if he never lets me go home...I can find my way...surely I can))

Hyku: (waits until she stops eating then starts to clear the table) The master will return when the sun is high. (bows his head to her as he starts to leave her on the terrace) You should rest in case he has need for you.

Imari: (gasps in outrage) His needs be damned!!  I am the Princess of Palicide, not any man's ......(blushes furiously, unable to make herself say the word sex out loud) SLAVE!!

Hyku: (patient smile) That was yesterday, Mistress. (bows his head again) Now you are in the House of Xavier.... and nothing less than a slave... and nothing more.

============================

Staza: (jerks his gaze to his father, blinking twice, unbelieving) WHAT?

Staza: Father... (shaking his head) You can't be serious.

Leotin: (turns his gaze to Staza) I can't be anything but serious, Staza.

Leotin: (lifts his chin) There is no choice.

Staza: No choice!!? This can't be happening. (gasps, incredulous) NO. Father. NO....

Leotin: (turns toward his horse, putting a foot in the saddle and mounting) You heard me. We go home. (swallows, his head held proud)

Staza: (his head snapping around to look at the pass of Allendor so close.... next to him lay the carcass of Imari's horse)

Staza: (drops to his knees, a wretched cry filling his throat and bursting from his mouth... echoing through the walls of the pass over and over again) NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. ------------------------