Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy)

by H. Lee Morgan, Jr

  In darkness, they ruled for normal human eyes couldn’t dream of walking in the dark without a torch. “You’re tracking Veign aren’t you?” Kyri knew, but Zara nodded anyway. “You want him to…” Her human partner nodded again and gestured for silence. She too nodded.

  Zara rushed heat to her nose and could easily catch his familiar scent. She jumped on Kyri’s back to smell near windows. Eventually his scent grew stronger and she pointed when the scent saturated out of a partially open window.

  The Makkian walked closer and stopped beside an empty window and Zara peeked around a candle lit room to see three young children sleeping, who would later become official Kings Guards for they all had level five weapon class items.

  Zara then easily gripped a thin ledge and effortlessly pulled herself up and over the second story window and paused beside the third.

  Inside the open window lay Veign alone on his cot. A pile of golden armor glistened in the light of a single, half burned candle. She looked around the room and saw how few possessions he had. Orders were stacked on a table beside the candle. It stood over a foot in height and knew they were orders for the parchment of such color is only used specifically for the Kings Guard. Her cheeks flushed as she noticed he wore only brown pants and his bare chest revealed how muscled he is. She heard back when she and Kyri went off to war that some of the men whispered that Veign’s item-armor was only for intimidation, she knew now without a drop of doubt he looked even larger and more defined lacking the armor.

  A strange hum came from within and she realized he hadn’t yet fallen asleep and a closer look revealed his blue eyes staring at the whitewashed ceiling.

  Risking everything on a girl’s hope Zara gripped the wall with her right hand and gently tapped on the glass with a fingernail.

  The sharp sound made his humming cease and his eyes turn sharply towards the window. He saw the silhouette of a head and immediately dove for his armor when realizing something waited there that shouldn’t be. The moment his arm touched the pile it writhed to life and in a second the item slapped itself to his enormous body and made not a sound. “Who’s there?” He demanded and took a fighting stance and the set of his features looking so serious gave her a thrill. The golden armor covered every part of him and the helmet protected everything on his head except for eyelets to see and five vertical holes to breathe through. Zara hadn’t seen this side of him before.

  “Veign, it’s me, Zara.” She whispered, trying not to alert anyone. “May I come in?”

  It took a few moments for him to realize just what had been said. “Princess?” He asked in bewilderment and dropped his large fists. Thinking better of his manners he quickly grabbed the candle and brought it over to the open window, splashing hot wax on his protected hand and wrist.

  Stepping closer he used the dim light to push away the shadows and reveal the truth. Veign’s serious features broke into a heartfelt grin and he opened the window fully and stepped away. With an effortless swing Zara slipped into the room, feet first and stood before him. Her six foot three height felt short compared to his seven foot frame, but although her abilities made her stronger, his build eclipsed hers without trying. They stared into each other’s eyes, both feeling ecstatic. Veign bowed respectfully then stepped closer while removing his helmet. Zara’s eyes widened, believing he was about to embrace her, and flushed in response. But instead he actually stepped around and stuck his head outside and looked down. He said casually “Hello Kyri! Doing good, girl?”

  In response he heard a quiet yawl and looked back for clarification. “She says she’ll wait in the shadows till we’re done, now that she knows where you live.” Zara explained and then made similar sounds to tell her partner to keep an eye out.

  Veign then walked over to his desk and pulled out two more unlit candles and brought them to life with the first. The added light helped him, but he knew from experience she didn’t need it so much. He then stepped away to check the door and noticing it to be clear he threw the bolt, locking it.

  He turned around and said “It is wonderful to see you again, Zara. Last time we saw each other you ran away from me like I had done something wrong. Believe me, I tried apologizing for any wrong I’ve done, but I couldn’t get clearance to do so.”

  Zara shook her head. “You fool, you weren’t the one to have wronged me. The one to blame is my father.”

  He stood straighter at hearing that. “Do you know what he has done?”

  Kings Guard were the best fighters in the world and knew to be quiet, but her question gave him a rare opportunity to speak. A depressed sigh ruined his joyful appearance. “Nay, but I’ve heard of your coming nuptials.” Her shocked expression made him explain. “The men in my unit spoke of it earlier today. By tomorrow the whole city will know of it.”

  “That bastard.” She cursed and it surprised him to hear such language from the princess.

  Not wanting to be on the receiving end of her wrath or escalate her temper he asked “Don’t get me wrong, I’m beyond words to have you here, but why have you come to visit at such an inappropriate hour?” He felt proud to see her fair cheeks flush in the candlelight and clarified. “If someone were to see you coming or leaving my room it will be problematic for you.”

  She smiled. “Worry not, I’m not so easy to catch and if I want to be discrete no item wielding individual could ever see me. And as to my reasons for being here I have two. The first is to see you again and secondly for your help.”

  His heart beat thundered and hoped she couldn’t hear it, but he focused on the second reason for much trouble could occur if he became any more infatuated with her. “My help? Anything. What is it you need?”

  “I need to get out of my father’s clutches, but for you to understand my reasons I need you to listen to a story and keep an open mind.”

  Veign’s mind rushed through the implications her words gave him. A hand raised towards the bed made him sit and she took the chair at the desk and sat down before him. Zara crossed her legs and enjoyed the look Veign’s eyes gave them. She kept her tone low so she could still hear if anyone were to approach. “Veign, what I’m about to tell you is the truth as it was told to me by my father’s own mouth. You are all I have that I can trust, besides Kyri. Don’t tell any of this to anyone or I can guarantee you won’t live long.” His short blonde hair bobbed for her to proceed and his unwavering eyes vowed to take it to his grave. “Alright, Before either of us could remember, King Gerieg had twin sons, Sheul and Runkamon. Sheul was first born and became the proper heir to our kingdom…”

  Zara told Veign the whole story of a brother’s betrayal and slaughter. Twice she had to pause when footsteps came close and after passing she continued. Veign stared dumbfounded at the story she told and knew from her solemn expression and emotional tones it to all be the truth. He knew the king to be ambitious, but to go as far as murdering his entire clan made him sick. Not once did he smile for nothing in the tragic story could be seen as humorous.

  She then asked “Do you remember the man I fought back in Alluan?”

  “The imposter?” He asked.

  She nodded. “He’s no imposter. That person who fought me equally for several minutes, even after battling for nearly an hour is truly Alex, first born and only child of Sheul and Eriana. He is my cousin.”

  “Then that means…”

  “Aye, he’s the rightful heir, but that isn’t the worst part.” She then went on to explain her meeting with King Gerieg himself and he choked at such a revelation. He and his brothers in arms knew nothing of this. And then hearing of his capture made him want to reach out and lay a hand on hers when explaining how Gerieg’s partner Sheer lost her life. Very few knew Zara was like any other woman, but her position forced her to appear strong and unbreakable and Veign wished to comfort her. Without an order he couldn’t lay a hand on her without facing the gallows.

  Eventually she finished the story by saying “General Peile returned and I know he has Alex locked dow
n in the dungeons. Gerieg might be down there too. And to drive the final nail in the coffin I was told I’m being married to Prince Thane.”

  “Thane?” Veign choked. “That plump swine?”

  “Aye, you were with me when we ordered half of his forces to come with us. You know how rude and insolent he is.”

  “If only you would have allowed me to strangle him like I asked…”

  “and all it would have done is make my life worse. Father has chosen the worst man to take me, but also have enough influence through the royal bloodlines to breed a royal heir, Furion or not…

  Zara nearly jumped back when Veign stood up and bowed deeply to her. “Princess, thank you for your confidence. I would have followed your orders regardless of the story’s. Please allow me to do whatever is in my power to ease your suffering. Command me, my lady.”

  She stood and said “Look at me.” He did and the setting in his eye said he’d die for her. “Veign, what I’m purposing will put us in great danger, but will be our only chance. I need your help to take my father off his stolen throne that never truly belonged to him.”

  “I cannot.” He declared sadly and turned his back. Zara about ran right then, but the movement of his left hand stayed her feet. His platinum blonde hair was cut short like all in the Royal Guard, but long enough to cover just the nape of his neck. Veign lifted the hair to reveal a purple mark the size of a thumbnail. “Zara, after the betrayal of Lily of the Blood Moon, King Runkamon ordered each and every Kings Guard to be marked by a level two Specialist with a unique item. We were all forced to pledge loyalty to the king and his children who would inherit the throne. We could not allow harm to come to him by intention or neglect.” He dropped his hand and turned back around. “If I do even the slightest thing to allow harm to come to either you or the king, the mark will paralyze me and inform the specialist that I am a traitor.”

  I never knew that. Zara thought and looked around. Father might be cruel, but he doesn’t take chances that would endanger his precious throne…

  She began pacing the small room and Veign stood patiently, grateful the mark hadn’t activated so far. He walked a very thin line.

  Suddenly she stopped and had an idea. “Does this specialist require names or did you vow to protect those on the throne without names?”

  “We all vowed to protect those of the throne. We never said his name specifically… Why?”

  Zara grinned. “Then this plan has worked in my favor after all…” she became silent again, but not for long. “Veign, do you trust me?”

  “Until the day I die.”

  “Then you can help me remove my father without directly causing harm to yourself or us.”

  “Where are you going with this?”

  “Listen, if my plan work we’ll be free to chose a life we will be proud of and if we lose, all is lost either way. As it is, Gerieg and Alex are the true heirs to Ra’van’s throne. I’m not actually the princess and Runkamon isn’t the king, even if he sits on a throne he hasn’t earned. Although you cannot cause harm to him or me, neither can you harm Gerieg or Alex with the knowledge you now possess. It is a conundrum that will work in or favor.

  “I need you to somehow gain access to Alex’s guard duty. I don’t know how it can be done, but I know you’ll be capable of it. Father will try to break Alex’s will, but I’ve crossed swords with him and I know he’ll never falter in his resolve. All this time we’ve been taught wrong. Sacrifice should be done willingly, not forced upon us by another’s ideals. Furthermore, everyone has the right to have an occupation they are proud of, not obligatory because of what item they were born with. We are more than an object. I realize that now. After the time we spent together I’ve realized you are more than a warrior. You’re caring and an amazing person. Veign, can I ask you to help Alex in any way possible, without breaking that forced vow? He needs to be protected more than I as the true and future king he was born to be. He isn’t an imposter, my father is.”

  The warrior watched the princess for a long time. “I hope I don’t regret this…” he slammed his eyes shut in expectation. “Zara, if you see me collapse you must throw me out the window and have Kyri kill me. If I’m retrieved I’ll be taken to a truth seeker and tortured for the information I now possess. Pain I am used to, but it will be impossible to lie and I cannot tell them for you’ll be in danger. You must promise.”

  The item wielding warrior watched and felt grateful for the worried expression she revealed. He knew she truly cared, no royal or nobleman ever did that with a Kings Guard. She nodded and put his future in her plan. “I Veign will help Alex in whatever way possible for you Zara.”

  Nothing happened and he cracked an eye, wondering if he’d already be writhing on the ground or find himself being slain by the large Makkian as proof of his convictions to the one he cherished, but all he saw was Zara’s wide grin.

  “With knowing he is the prince to the throne, you realize I’m not actually a princess…”

  He denied that with a firm “You will always be my princess.”

  “Then may I ask you something personal?”

  “Aye.”

  “Are you promised to anyone?”

  “Nay…”

  Soft and warm lips pressed against his suddenly. One moment she stood across the room and before he could blink she pressed her lips on his.

  And before he could react to the pleasurable assault she disappeared again, but he couldn’t find her in his room. Veign hurried to the open window to barely see two figures below, one appears extremely large and the other human-like. He grinned in excitement, but wasn’t prepared for what she said next. “We have less than two weeks. If we succeed I’ll only fall in love with one person. I freely choose you. If we fail I’ll not play into my father’s hands and bed that fool, he’s hasn’t the faintest attractiveness you hold or has earned the right.” She waved as she jumped on Kyri. “I’ll see you in two weeks.”

  For the first time Veign knew what it truly meant to have joy fill his heart and Zara created it all. He touched his lips, remembering every detail of the quick impression.

  As Kyri stalked through the night she noticed Zara smiling happily and truly for the first time in months. It must have gone well. She assumed and disappeared into the night to stretch her limbs freely and not be contained in a single room.

  That night both of them found an open area and stared into the stars and didn’t speak upon anything regarding earlier planning and enjoyed the open aired freedom and each other.

  Chapter 23

  Dank, stale and pungent air wafted through Alex’s nose as his eyes adjusted from another hard night’s sleep. Again he tried triggering his abilities to no success and the restraints around his wrists and ankles remained ever present. Twice already he tried breaking out of the dungeon cell and twice he found himself shocked into unconsciousness. The door and walls were electrified and without the ability to raise his true Furion strength he found it impossible. The only success he found in the time of imprisonment was in killing one of the torturers that came every day and tried to make him choose between another day of suffering or change allegiances to work for Runkamon and sacrifice for the fellow man. Several days ago they found just how much he despised his uncle and before the Kings Guard could intervene Alex wrapped his knees around the man’s head and jerked, severing the spine in the neck. Even without the Furion strength he was a large man with formidable skills and strength.

  The next morning another torturer arrived and started anew, but not before binding his ankles too. The difference this time is the Guard bound his bound his wrists to the dirty marble floor with chains, but the shackles themselves were made of the same metal made from that of his sword. Only that metal couldn’t be broken by anyone, even Furion, and that was the only thing that truly kept him from being any more of a threat than the average prisoner.

  Pain throbbed at Alex’s side as he managed to sit up, reminding him of how they broke two ribs the day before in
the last session. The room remained dark and gave a feeling of respite before another session. Sitting on the ground was a half filled bowl and he approached it. Beside it looked to be week old bread that began to show mold. Both hands reached forward and took the two. Tasting the bread revealed his suspicions true and the gruel did little to sate his thirst and raging apatite. He knew what they were doing, feeding him little so that his growing hunger would make it that much easier to make his spirits break. Being clear minded became harder each day, if the schedule of pain were any indication to time for no natural light made it to the fifteen by fifteen foot cell. Only firelight from torches and oil lamps revealed the situation.

  Soreness from his jaw made it difficult to chew the stale bread, but the rumbling in his gut forced him to continue. At the very least the tasteless gruel went down without much effort. Once the simple and small meal were gone he moved to the stone platform he used for a bed and pressed his bare ribs to the stone to cool the pain since he couldn’t harness and control the heat. It felt great and he smiled that they were kind enough to allow him to keep his pants at least.

  Even now he wondered the fate of all he loved. Were they well? What are they doing? He couldn’t stop reflecting on all that occurred, but nothing could be changed, at least not from his position. He still didn’t give up hope.

  It wasn’t long before he heard a commotion outside the prison bars. Acute hearing and sight seemed to be the only skills he still retained since his Furion attributes didn’t affect them. “Veign! What are you doing down here?!” one of the Kings Guard Alex is familiar with asked in cool detachment.

  “I haven’t a clue!” Alex heard mirth and a jovial aspects to the other man’s tone that felt as refreshing as the stone at his ribs. “Maybe you can tell me, Captain? What is so important that General Peile took me off city patrol and told me to get my backside down here for guard duty… and just what is that awful smell?” Alex smirked at whoever he heard for he seemed like someone who made life easier.