Chapter 4: To Live in the Light

AN: Sorry. Well, I don’t really have much more to say than that. I would tell you the whole story of how my computer got a virus and kinda blew up but that is not the story you clicked for. ^.^

Disclaimer: No, still don’t own Escalfowne…but I’m working on it.

Thanks: Thank you to everyone would reviewed the last chapter and to those who are reading now. I am truly sorry I have taken so long to update, please forgive.

Oh, erm- just a little note to say thatRaven’s review *scared* me and that I would never dream of killing off Dilly-chan!!!! (Please don’t kill me…*cowers behind chair*)

The Temple of Fortona's central plaza had been designed nearly a decade after the so-called ‘Chaos of Ages’, Freid's only civil war (which left it's poorer citizens even poorer for more then a generation).

The temple itself, a looming sandstone construction towering over the deserts below, sheltered the plaza on either side, as a mother cradles a sleeping child. Protected from the storms both above and below, the lush plant life and exquisite stone fountains acted as an oasis to the monks who cared for the temple. Today however, the plaza was graced by with a beauty that stretched beyond it exotic plant life.

Clad in a simple but none the less elegant midnight gown, Yukari Uchida moved along at the only acceptable pace for a woman in Freid, as fast as your mountains of skirts would allow. She took in the amazing sights of tropical birds and exotic plant life with a mild interest. Her thoughts dwelling on what a shame it would be to destroy it.

''M-my Lady?''

The mage turned to the gibbering, rounded man who had appeared beside her. Freid's constant sunshine had given his head an interesting glow.

''Yes.'' It was the kind of tone that could express everything and nothing about the speaker’s mood at the same time, depending on the listener.

The small man swallowed thickly. ''H-his majesty the Duke will see you now.'' He stuttered in response, piggy eyes looking everywhere but the mage before him.  Yukari sighed lightly, crimson painted lips [1] forming an almost predator like grin.

''Very well.''

In an instant the messenger had turned on his heel and waddled off down a path to their left, large cherry trees rose up from the side lines in full bloom, small pink petals littered the paving, swept around by the cool breeze in the air. He led the visitor out of the plaza's main gardens, taking care not to look over his shoulder as he went. When at last he came to a stop, it was outside the entrance to a small gazebo settled under the shade of the temples main building. Yukari passed the small man without so much as a look of thanks; her gaze was suddenly locked with that of the young boy sitting behind a wooden table under the structure.

The boy before could have been no more than five or six years old, but the sword leaning against the side of his chair symbolized not only his royal title, but his training as well.

''Your highness''

Chid nodded in return, cerulean orbs darkening slightly, refusing to back down for the mage's gaze, he motioned for her to take the seat opposite him. Yukari did so, slipping into the chair before her gracefully and folding her hands in her lap, waiting for the King to speak.

The Duke's manor was far more aged than his years, rubbing at his creased forehead in vain attempt to relax, the child finally lowered his eyes. He sighed heavily. ''It is not often we receive a guest of your-'' He broke off suddenly, searching for the appropriate term, ''background, at Fortona.''

The mage answered directly, her soft tones denying what her eyes could not, ‘‘it was fortunate indeed that out visits came about on the same day.''

''But not a coincidence, I presume.''

Dark eyes twinkled, the lines at the corners of her mouth stretched slightly,

lines which hadn't been properly used since her youth, though some would say she was still young in some respects. ''I understand Fanelia has requested assistance.''

Chid didn't deny it, what would be the point? Nodding again Yukari continued. ''Lord Folken has turned out to be a very competent leader, considering the er- problems arising in respect to Fanelia's past and present troubles''

At this boy bit his tongue, he spoke without flinching even as a coppery taste ran down his throat. ''He has more experience than I at his duty,'' he replied, eyes roaming Fortona's construction, ''but taking Fanelia's future into account, rather than it's past, I plan to respond to his request in a positive manor.''

Yukari's eyes appeared almost black for the briefest of moments, lips pursed she recovered quickly, deciding to get to the point. ''An excellent decision considering your father's personal views. But you do well to remember Freid's own problems at this time.''

Another brief moment and Chid's training almost left him. His small form almost seemed to close in on itself as any child would when threatened. ''Problems?'' he questioned, already knowing the response. Yukari answered without words, her lips curving into a predator like smile once again. A look she would soon become famous for.

            ''It's like nothing I've encountered before.''

            ''Ancient magic?''

            ''Could be, but that doesn't explain the fits.''

            ''Three days now, amazing he is still alive considering that blasted little girl wont let us anywhere near him.''

            ''Indeed, personally I plan to recommend termination. The pain he is in will no doubt get worse, his screams echo through the castle now.''

''It is a terrible thing for one so young, but never the less I agree. Termination is for the best at this point.''

            ''To put an end to suffering is our job, our right.''

            ''Then we concur, lets deliver the news to his majesty.''

For the second time in an hour Merle was pushed to the back of the room by unidentified arms. Crushing herself into the nearest corner she covered her ears as best she could, closing her eyes and tiring to block out what was happening around her.

It was like a routine now, it was happening so often. How could anyone survive so much pain? The answer was beyond her, as was how Lord Van and everyone else were coping.

It was the same every time.

His body almost seemed to turn to a stone for a moment; every muscle would crap for no more than a second. And then it would start. The screaming would echo off the stone walls and escape through the door and down the corridor beyond it. Throwing his head back the commander of the dragon slayers would lapse into another fit. Every part of his body would try to work at once, shaking, twisting, clenching, and stretching. It was horrible. Merle couldn’t think of another word to describe it.

Lord Van and the mage would be there to hold him down in a second, and the screams soon attracted all the help they needed.

At the other end of the room an argument was taking place.

‘’The hell you will!’’

‘’Please my Lord, this is merely a pain killer of sorts, it will not bring him to harm.’’ 

Hitomi looked up for a moment, emerald orbs took in Van’s mistrusting glare and the healer beside him, inching slowly towards the figure she was helping to hold down. A large needle was in his right hand, a strangely larger amount of dark green liquid inside it. She was inclined to take Van’s side on this one.

‘’You stab him with that,’’ she started in a hard tone, immediately drawing all attention in the room, ‘’I’ll stab you with this.’’ The silver blade gleamed, its carved hilt resting in her right hand. [2]

The healer began slowly inching in the other direction, his palms out in front of him pointed towards the ceiling, the needle resting lightly in one of them. Another second and he had darted from the room.

Folken raised one eyebrow very slightly as an old man with a needle in his hand dashed past without stopping to bow. ‘Odd…’ Shrugging it off in light of more important matters he continued to move down the hall. The sound of twin footsteps behind him signalled that his personal guard had also resumed the pace.

It had been three days since the meeting in which the commander of Fanelia’s dragon slayers had fallen ill. He had ordered all professional healers within his jurisdiction to come and treat Dilandau. However, as of yet, none had managed a reasonable diagnosis. Much to his chief advisers despair he had called off all meetings until such time as the boy was cured…or dead.

As much off a loss it would be to all involved he had to admit that some of the wiser healers had a point. It was their job to end suffering, and the screams were unnerving. To allow someone, anyone, to bear such pain for so long was cruel in itself. The boy would not be easily replaced, Van, of course, was the obvious choice. But, as much as his brother wanted to help their country, Folken found himself inclined to prevent him from doing so.

The dragons were reproducing at an alarming rate; his country was falling around him. Calls had been to sent out to all close nations, Austria, Freid and Ziabach. And what had come as a result of this plea.

A counsel.

Meetings were not what Fanelia needed. His people were dying; their cries could be heard most nights. Did they not understand what was happening? Even if they outlasted the dragons Fanelia was being eaten from the inside out. The stalls in the main market were closing down one by one, no trader in their right mind would step outside the walls of the capital, and it seemed as though no other country was willing to provide aid without months of discussion before hand. What could he do? The slayers had formed almost a year ago now; all the hope of Fanelia’s people had gone with them. There was no hope left to spare. How was it that every best smite down by their swords another ten arose?

The king of Fanelia stopped suddenly. It was so quiet all of a sudden. He caught the arm of a passing helper; the young girl could have been no older than his brother. Light blue eyes looked up at him startled for a second. She recovered quickly.

‘’Yes you majesty?’’ she asked, bowing he head slightly as Folken realised her arm.

‘’Is everything…alright?’’ ‘Alright?’ his mind repeated silently, ‘Can you even remember the last time things were alright?’ A single image flickered passed his minds eyes, a young boy running to him with his arms outstretched.

‘’The fits have stopped for now.’’ She answered shortly. Inclining her head once again before walking past. It was strange how healers never had time for healthy people.

Resuming his pace once again Folken tried his best to put together a way to best explain the situation to Van. How could he say that the best way to end the pain was to kill Dilandau?

He stopped once again, standing just shy of the doors threshold. He took a deep breath. He was Fanelia’s King. He would find a way. 

[1] Is it just me, or is Yukari wearing a load of makeup in the film? She just looked a little…colourful to me *.*

[2] Anyone else a David Eddings fan? lol…

Sorry it’s so short, hope you liked it ^.^