“Alex,” Allahandra started and brought his attention back to her. For some reason her item case was on the table now. Rakkian was also sitting closer to the queen. He was sitting directly to her right. “I do not know if your father is Runkamon or not, but there is a high possibility that he is. Now when Freelan intergraded with my own military forces two years ago we became a strong force against Ra’van. Now it is time to explain about the other Furion I’ve met.
“It was about ten years ago, when he appeared here in my castle. Somehow he easily bypassed my best sentries and most powerful guards, without raising a single alarm or harming anyone. I was in my room for the night when he appeared like an apparition. I couldn’t even get a good look at him because of the darkness, but he spoke kindly. You are the very first person I’ve ever told this too. After he explained that he was a comrade and not a threat, did he enlighten me. ‘Should any Furion ever come here seeking to overthrow Runkamon, you must send for me. I shall be training until the day I am summoned to see the new Furion personally. When you need to summon me, use this. It will contact one of my servants.’ He then gave me this and explained how to activate it.” She stood and opened her case on the table for each of them to see. Behind her ornate dagger, in her item case, she pulled out a circular mirror from a special sleeve hidden inside. She held it easily in her palm and it made a slight reflection on the roof. It didn’t look too special until Alex realized it was an item.
She held it out for all to see as she sat down again. “Alex, with your arrival I can finally get to use this after all these years. I would really like to know what this other secretive Furion has been up to for the past decade. With your permission, I would like to try and understand the situation.”
Shade nodded once Alex finished translating as did Marlin and Lily. They all hoped whoever he was would be a force for good, rather than like the king.
“You have my permission, Allahandra.”
They were each intently watching her every move as she began tracing around the edge of the mirror with the tip of her index finger. Then she began making a circling spiral towards the center of the item. She held her finger in the center for a moment and then pulled the finger back. Suddenly the mirror began to instantly vibrate in the palm of her hand. Then just as quickly as it started, it became lifeless. There was nothing to be seen except ones reflection.
Was that all? Is this some twisted joke?
Then the mirror exploded into a fine dust. Allahandra jumped back in surprise, like the rest of them did. There remained a fine powder in her hand so she tossed it onto the table. Then the queen began talking to herself. “What is going on here? I was never told that something like this would happen… Why would an item just disintegrate like this? It’s unheard of, even from explosive items…”
They needn’t wait much longer for the answer to the disintegration. The mirror dust began swirling and coming together again, but it wasn’t returning to its original state. Watching with much silent amazement all witnessed the item’s power. First feet were formed from the mirror dust and then legs, torso, arms and then a head appeared. Before their eyes stood a miniature man of perfect human proportions, made from the dust of the former mirror item. He stood only four inches high but there was remarkable detail to the figure. The image was that of an older gentleman wearing expensively tailored clothing. Then the figure’s head turned and seemed to be looking right at them. The item was animated, alive. Then the head stopped upon Allahandra.
“Who are you and how did you get a hold of my item, let alone know how to activate it?” The little man’s voice seemed to rumble in the room.
The queen sat erect as a sign of good etiquette. “My name is Queen Allahandra of Alluan and you are inside my castle. I was given the mirror from a man who called himself Master. He taught me how to use it once I found a certain person. I have recently met him. His name is Alex and he is a Furion.” The small face looked doubtful at best. “This Master said to contact him when or if another Furion should ever reveal himself.”
“Who is this Furion then?” The man gruffly asked.
“I guess that it would be me.” The figures head jerked to the sound of Alex’s voice, but then he gasped. Suddenly he composed himself again.
“What kind of proof do you have to your claim?” It still used the same tone.
Alex turned to his right and looked up. “Shade, raise your right paw on the table and bark at the tiny man.”
Shade eyed the figure and grinned. He lifted his paw up and then barked and Shade began barking another laugh in glee.
The man’s eyes seemed to widen, but it was difficult to tell because of the small figure. He then began scratching his jaw while studying the two of them. “Well I’ll be… Aye… you are indeed an actual Furion. Please excuse me I must deliver the glorious news to my lord. We have waited so long…”
Then the figure crumpled into a pile of dust, but just before he was hopeful.
Each person glanced at each other without saying a word. Everyone was trying to process just what was happening. They didn’t have any way to proceed because at this point they were all completely blind. They didn’t know what was happening behind the curtain.
Five minutes later the dust swirled into the man once again. His tone seemed lighter and more expecting. He then bowed to the queen and then for some reason he bowed even more deeply to Alex. “Please forgive my skepticism Lady Allahandra and Lord Alex. My name is Janken. I wasn’t informed of my lord’s plans until now. He had explained that if I was captured sometime throughout these past years that I couldn’t inform anyone of his grandest of plans. My lord is excited about meeting a new prospect and he is preparing for his departure this very moment. He wanted me to inform you, Lord Alex, that he will personally be there within the month. He has asked me and to plead if it is required that you will stay inside Alluan’s boarders for your own protection. Now if you don’t have further need of me I have other orders that need attending immediately.”
“Thank you, Janken.” Allahandra said.
Suddenly the fragments began flying of their own accord, without any wind drafts in the still room, and drifted towards the roof and they watched as the dust completely disappeared.
Wait a month? But what would we do meanwhile? Who was this mysterious lord, Janken spoke of and what glorious plans were in the works? What was happening behind the scenes that wanted to see Alex so seriously? Why did this lord want to see him so badly that he would drop whatever he was doing to come see Alex so vehemently? Could this lord also be a Furion like himself? Could they be related too?
“That was interesting.” Marlin mentioned with mirth.
“Now that everything is in order I have my own arrangements to make.” Allahandra stated while standing. She left her case open on the table as she turned to look at Alex especially. “Oh, Alex? I have a request to make if you would but consider it.” Her sudden change in tone piqued his curiosity. He gestured for her to elaborate on what she had on her mind. Whatever it was she became serious. “I know you wished to join Freelan, but you are no common soldier. I saw earlier that you have a strong sense for justice and feel protective of those who are close to you. Those qualities are what we need to succeed in this difficult venture. Instead of placing you within the common ranks of the military, I have a proposition.” During this whole speech Alex translated for Shade, quietly . “Swear fealty to me as your liege lord, and in return for being my vassal, you will not have to defer to a higher authority other than my own. You will keep your autonomy and be able to do as you wish, but respect me if I give you an order. I would also place you by my side as one of my advisors in time of crisis. Being a Furion, a different mind would be invaluable to my considerations and plans. And as a special consideration, I would even grant you freedom to form a small, but special, group of members from Freelan who volunteer to follow you as their leader. In that sense they will have you to guide them in however you deem necessary.” Then she said “B
ut if you do swear fealty, your accomplishment will reflect on me just as surely as your failures. If you don’t wish to become my vassal then you’ll be treated like all others and be ordered by the higher officers to do as they wished with you.” She clasped her hands together in a waiting response.
Why would she wish thing so grand of him to offer so much so easily with only speaking this one day; he knew not, but she was staking her reputation on this. She wanted Alex to remain by her side for reasons that were hers alone, but he wouldn’t make this decision lightly.
Looking for other opinions he looked to his left and Marlin was grinning like a proud fool. He said to his friend “Alex, do it. If you do than our merry little pack can stay together. The other captains and generals wouldn’t be able to separate us if we take the queen up on her offer.”
Lily simply nodded, her penetrating amethyst irises focused upon him.
Then Shade gained his sibling’s attention. As he spoke he looked only at Allahandra, calmly standing. “Alex, she is afraid of us… She doesn’t want the military commanders to get a hold of any of us because we are too strong willed. If we didn’t obey their orders we would be made examples, but that would hurt her standing among the people. If we were under her we’d only have to speak to her and decide upon a solution that would work. We wouldn’t need to worry about blindingly following orders. And if you become her vassal and she orders you to do something that will be kin to suicide I’ll steal you away and your bond to her will remain intact. She wouldn’t be able to punish you for something you had no control over and none may control me, save you.” Then he turned his head and looked Alex straight in the eye. “It is your choice, but it would be beneficial to only have her issuing orders than getting orders like we were only common foot soldiers.”
Everyone had a solid point and the choice was clear.
Standing up and grabbing his staff, Alex walked around Shade and directly up to the queen. Though she was slender and her green and gold dress simple, she didn’t shy away from him. Her dark eyes studied him and in them he saw a strong and cunning warrior. Though she was a healer, she wasn’t afraid to fight to the death if the need arose.
With her gaze following his movement, Alex knelt on one knee before her, planting the butt of the staff between them. Speaking clearly he gave a solemn vow. “Queen Allahandra, I Alex son of none, Fang slayer and Furion humbly pledge my fealty to you. Please use me as you will and may my skills be of service.” He then bowed his head respectfully.
Looking at the marble flooring his hearing registered the sound of a blade being drawn. Looking up, Allahandra had already reached into her case and held her non-item dagger. She was drawing the polished blade from its ornate sheathe as a deadly growl reverberated from behind him, the queen stopped mid-draw. Without looking, Alex told Shade it was alright. Reminding him of the books he’s read, he ceased growling knowing what she was doing was simply finalizing the oath. Giving the queen the gesture to continue, she pulled the blade from its home. Touching each shoulder with the tip of the dagger she withdrew and said “Rise my vassal.” Alex did and towered over her again. “Now that our vow is sealed you may do as you wish.”
She then pulled her case close, replaced the ceremonial and protective blade inside, closed it and brought it firmly in her right hand she looked at her highest ranking general. “Rakkian, I would like for you to call the other generals and commanders to the hall to explain the little change. I will leave it up to you how to decide what to tell them, but do not mention the seriousness of certain topics you’ve heard in this counsel today. Many know Runkamon killed my parents, but if they found out Alex might be his son they might do something regretful.”
“Ma’am!” He threw a fist to his heart and began turning around.
After Rakkian left the room Allahandra turned to look at The Pack, Lily informed her that was what Shade has dubbed for the group’s name again. “Your rooms have already been prepared for your stay. Please rest until the morning. We have had an overly dramatic day. Meet me here in the morning and we can discuss what to do for your stay. All of the accommodations of my castle are at your disposal. Rest well.” She turned and quickly walked through the double doors.
What Alex has just accomplished was truly a stroke of pure luck. He kept a large semblance of his freedom, his friends by his side and even gained the queen’s favor. Marlin was excited while Lily appeared silently pleased. Shade was grateful for the events as well, despite how strained the morning started.
Once they all stood and placed the chairs back properly around the large table Alex grasped the Xeal staff and turned around to see Marlin and Lily staring intently at him. It was now time to apologize for his actions earlier had put them through. Though they could remain together from now on and not be separated by orders, they needed to speak for themselves. Alex smiled, but they could easily see it was false and strained. He lightened the tone of his voice, but it didn’t ease the tightness in his chest. “So what did I miss after my little parental epiphany? Anything fun happen?”
Marlin brightened and a playful side kicked in. “Of course, after you ran away like a simpering little girl, the…” the wind was suddenly knocked out of his lungs. Lily struck his gut with deadly accuracy, using her elbow. Alex smiled tightly. She smiled, but only weakly. “What fish-boy here is trying to say is after Shade forced us to stay put, a cleaning crew fixed the table and prepared the guest rooms for our stay. Plus, they also brought in our things from the barracks. Here let me show you.”
Lily grasped his large hand and drew him towards the opposite back door that she came out of after her bath. Their touch was electric again. She released his hand as she opened the thick wooden door. For a moment Alex saw her blush for some reason, like she felt it too. The room opened into a deep hallway.
The hallway was long and wide enough for each of them to walk shoulder to shoulder. There were mirrors that lit the tunnel and also held what looked like oil lamps on shelves, but it was still light enough to show the way so the wicks remained unlit. Off to the left side were large doors that were for important guests and emissaries. Ten rooms lined the left wall, but none remained in the right. Down the hall the corridor turned right. Another solitary guard was standing in the corner’s shadow. If not for his keen night vision, the guard would have remained unseen. He asked what that was about and Lily said that the Queen’s room is down there and no one, but she is allowed down that hall, without her accompanying the person. Any who try will have to get past multiple guards that even she couldn’t see in the shadows.
At the fifth door Lily stopped and announced “Alex, this is yours and Shade’s room. I’ve got the next room down and Marlin is beside me.” She smiled in a very girly way. It was the first time he’s ever seen her show such an expression. She must have liked what she saw, but he loved seeing what he did.
He forced himself to look to the new door to his room. It was twice as tall and wide as the door to enter the hallway. He opened it and could see why Lily was acting this way.
This single room was four times the size of his old home. It was more of a small hall than a person’s bedroom. The floor was still made of white marble and the walls were painted a light green, calming color. There was a large clear window on the wall behind the bed, along with four oil lamps on each corner of the squared room. To the back wall was an enormous four-poster bed that reached half the height of the room. The bed was raised off the ground to reach a person’s kneecaps. There was a green cover on the bed as well as six pillows. Because of the beds enormous size, there could be four of Shade and still be enough room for Alex to sleep in absolute comfort. On the right wall was a large recess filled with still clear water, more than large enough for Shade to immerse himself completely. Around the edge was a small cabinet probably filled with bathing supplies. Off to the left wall was a large cedar closet and also right, beside the pool of water was a desk and beside it hung a full length mirror on the wall.
Shade pu
shed Alex over so he could peek inside for himself. Suddenly his tone became excited. “I’m calling the right side, mine!”
Suddenly the enormous and hyperactive sibling easily jumped over Alex’s head with grace and agility to land inside the room remarkably silent. He trotted to the bed, smelled it and then easily walked on it. He carefully walked on the green sheeted bed so as his sharp claws didn’t shred the fabric and a very comfortable spot was soon found. He made a half circle and laid down. A dramatic moan, deep in his chest rumbled, as he lay on his side while using two pillows to comfort his head. “Oh…Alex this fells sooo…gooooood…” He stretched out his long legs while straining his paws and then he finally let them drop onto the bed. “I’ve never felt such nice bedding in a den before.”
Alex laughed as did Lily and Marlin.
“Listen, we’ve all had a long day. I will see you both in the morning.”
Lily looked at Alex compassionately and Marlin responded with “We understand. You have much to think about, but at least you have found out why you have been born the way you were and we get to remain together.” He looked up and said in awe “Wow I know a Furion, but what in the world does it mean being one?” He then came back to reality. “Oh sorry, Good night, Alex,”
If Marlin thought he was confused, try being one.
They said their farewells and Alex closed the door to their room. Using a piece of flint and steel he lit one of the oil lamps before retiring.
Once Shade and Alex were alone he walked over to check out the closet. Inside the closet hung a wide array tunics and pants of a multitude of colors and which were all of his size. On the floor of the closet were several styles of shoes, but he’d never wear them. Alex then saw his deer-skin leather pack hanging on a hook on the closet door.
Untamed Gift (Book One of the Items Trilogy) Page 46
