Airianna
Chapter 1
Faith's breaths came in rapid gasps; her pulse pounded against the side of her throat. Terror gripped her every fibre as she clung to the shadows trying desperately to get to the princess without being caught. Mercenaries darted in and out of doorways, tracking blood across the carpets and leaving a trail of screams in their wake.
No alarms had sounded within the Citadel. She had believed an attack would be impossible. Yet the Mercenaries had come in the dead of night and converged silently on the sleeping royal family, slaughtering them in their beds. There was only one explanation: a snake within the walls.
Faith gripping her knife she pulled her hem up higher and stepped across a body that lay sprawled in the hallway. Running as fast as her feet would carry her, she dashed to the corner and carefully looked around; thankfully, the next hallway was deserted. She slunk around the corner, sticking close to the wall, just as a leather-clad man emerged from the doorway where she had been hiding moments before.
She froze and squeezed shut her eyes. He came towards the corner and stopped, standing mere inches away.
She held her breath and listened to him zip his pants as he moved down the hall away from her.
Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes. He had just come from the Lady Amaranth's apartments, a close friend of the queen. Faith fought back the tears and ran to the opposite end of the hallway, avoiding the soft circle of light from a glow wall sconce. Footsteps somewhere in the distance urged her onward. Glancing around the next corner, she spotted the room where Princess Airianna would be hiding if she had managed to survive this long.
This room had once been Airianna's nursery, but as she grew out of childhood it had fallen into disuse. It was in here that Faith and Airianna would run and hide when Citadel life became too dull. It had become their own private space; many secrets and dreams had been told between its walls.
A window across from Faith suddenly swung open, assaulting her with a cold blast of air. She silently crept around the corner and into the nursery. Airianna lay huddled in a corner. A giant mountain of a man towered over her, loosening his belt.
A bolt of white-hot anger shot through Faith, a boiling fury that awakened feelings she had never before felt. With perfect clarity, she saw what must be done. An eerie calm settled over her. She walked forward, the knife poised in her small, delicate hand.
In one fluid moment, she reached over his shoulder and jammed the dagger into the side of his throat. She jerked the blade violently forward, feeling the flesh and tendons give way. The wound gushed open, drowning the princess in a crimson wave.
Faith tore the man away from Airianna and helped her to her feet. She removed her robe and shoved it toward the shaking Airianna . 'Put this on'.
Airianna reached out slowly, her face pale, eyes vacant. Blood saturated the white night gown she wore.
'Hurry', Faith hissed urgently. She stood across from the entrance brandishing the wet blade, ready to defend her friend at all costs.
All her senses were focused on the hallway. She didn't know how many mercenaries were lurking about, but one thing she did know; she had to get Airianna out of there alive, and that meant now.
Taking Airianna by the hand, she led her away from the nursery and into the main hallway. Sounds of violence pieced the air: metal against bone, fist against flesh, stone against skull. The cries of life ending brutally echoed in the distance.
Faith shook her head. She must not think of that now; not when Airianna's life was in her hands. Wishing she could shield her friend from the horrors of the massacre, she guided her past the bodies of people who lay dead or dying. The floors and walls were splattered with the life-blood of nobles and servants alike.
Faith froze at the sounds of two men approaching from around the corner. She shoved Airianna to the floor next to a bloodied corpse and whispered for her to be perfectly still. Ignoring her nausea, she smeared gore over herself before lying down beside the princess.
The foot falls came closer; she knew they must be standing right over them. She willed herself to stop breathing, lest the slightest movement give them away. The two men stepped over and continued on down the hall. She waited for several moments before she dared to move. She stood up and caught Airianna's gaze. Beneath the blood smeared on her face, she was deathly pale, and her eyes asked questions Faith could not bear to answer. Turning away, she led her to the servant's stairway and down to one of the storerooms below.
This was the coal storeroom; a trapdoor in the ceiling where deliveries were made would be their escape. Scrambling up the coal pile, Faith managed to unlock the trapdoor. Cautiously she opened it and peered out.
To her relief, there was no one outside.
'Faith!' Airianna whispered, 'I think someone is coming'.
Faith hastened towards the doorway wielding her dagger, shielding Airianna as best she could in the small space.
'Quick, in here', came a hushed male voice.
Relief flowed through Faith. The voice belonged to Tah'lon, her childhood friend, and member of the Royal Guard.
Tah'lon glanced in the room. Seeing Faith, he smiled in relief and gently squeezed her in a quick hug. Following behind him were a small group of battered guards and frightened servants.
Bowing to the princess quickly, he climbed to the trap door and pulled himself up. Faith helped Airianna, and then the rest of the group up the pile to the trap door. Tah'lon reached down and one by one he pulled them to safety, followed lastly by Faith.
They emerged into the darkness of the night and were greeted with wafts of thick smoke billowing in the air from the flames consuming the top floors of the Citadel. Tears welled in their eyes as they walked away from the Citadel, and into the relative safety of the trees.
Chapter 2
Flames burning. People screaming. Lady Amaranths face contorted in agony. Blood, dripping down the walls.
Faith sat bolt upright in her bed, sweat glistening on her skin as the last traces of the nightmare fled into the night.
She closed her eyes and drew in a large breath. It had been this way almost every night for the past three years. Laying back down she concentrated on breathing, and slowing her pulse down.
Throwing her covers to the side in exasperation, she stood up and turned up the glows so that a soft light permeated the early morning darkness.
She regarded her reflection in the mirror beside the bed, her long hair fell in a cascade of black curls flowing past the middle of her back.
She had changed so much since her time at the Citadel. No longer that innocent handmaiden living a pampered life within the confines of the Citadel.
The night they had escaped the worst massacre in living history had indelibly changed Faith, brutally casting her from the only life she had ever known, into the harsh reality of life. Yet her green eyes held none of the fear they had but a short three years ago. Her face was a mask of quite strength and independence.
She pulled her night gown over her shoulders and threw it in the corner by the bed. She selected a plain cotton chemise and a green kirtle that laced up at the sides. This particular kirtle featured two splits in the front that allowed for easy movement. The simple woolen garment fitted snug against her waist accentuating her shapely curves. Despite the rigorous training that had hardened her body for battle she was still lithe and agile. Tucking her hair behind one ear, she gave her reflexion one last glance before turning down the glows and leaving her small wagon.
The burgeoning light of a new morning greeted her as the village was slowly coming to life, though, Faith reflected once again, 'village' was a term applied lightly. It was in point of fact more a caravan made up of several wagons and many tents. The resistance had avoided detection by constantly moving about, never staying in one place too long.
Faith made her way over to the kitchen tent, the fires already crackling merrily in the rough stone ovens. Greyonya added something to a large boiling kettle, humming contentedly to herself. Glancing up as Faith approached, a warm smile broke out on the old womans face.
'Good morning my dear, I hope you slept well?' she asked, motherly concern in her voice.
Faith shook her head briefly in answer. 'Ah well, dear, come sit and have a cup of Zarah. Freshly brewed.' Greyonya ladled the steaming liquid into a metal mug and handed it to her.
Faith gave her thanks and took a tentative sip, letting the hot brew warm her; then another larger one. 'Divine,' she said with a sigh, smiling.
Greyonya clucked with pride and went about chopping an onion for the morning meal.
Foot steps coming from behind caused Faith to turn and see Tah'lon approaching from his tent. Greyonya had a mug of Zarah ready for her grandson by the time he arrived. Taking the brew from her, he placed a kiss on her wrinkled old cheek and joined Faith by the fire.
She noticed the tell-tale dark smudge under his eyes and knew he too had suffered a sleepless night.
'Good morning Faith, I trust you slept well?' Tah'lon asked in his deep smooth voice.
She merely shrugged and finished her drink.
They sat in companionable silence as the fire popped and crackled before them.
Gazing into the flames Faith was reminded yet again of that night, she could scarcely believe a whole three years had passed. It felt as though it were a lifetime ago or the day before last, a strange concoction of emotions they had all felt from time to time.
She remembered running though the forest; fleeing from the flames, the screams. She shuddered at the memory. It had been terrifying but somehow they had managed to escape, it had taken the group of seven a full three days to pass through the forest and come to a small village.
No guards had been posted there, a sign they took to mean their escape had not yet been noticed. Faith had stayed with the others as Tah'lon entered the village alone. Managing to exchange what little coin and jewels they had escaped with he secured two horses, a glow powered wagon and a small amount of hunting and cooking supplies and what little extra he could barter for. He had made no mention of the attack or his name and when the group had reunited with him he had confirmed news of the attack was yet to reach the small village. None the less they had not tarried any longer than it took to bridle the horses and start the glow generator to get the wagon moving.
The first few weeks on the roads had been hard on the whole group, emotions were high and they were all suddenly thrust into a life the Citadel had not equipped them for.
They traveled on, bound for Lillydale Tah'lon and Faiths birth town. Although they had both been living at the Citadel, their families had remained. It had taken them a full three months journey, avoiding the main roads and staying together. Tah'lon, Jargon and Remmit the guardsmen had been valiant in their efforts to hunt and supply the group with food and water. Samia, who had been a kitchen maid along with her son Frelgion had taken it upon themselves to prepare the meals for the group. Faith built the fire, gathered firewood and set up the camp as best as she could. At first Airianna had been cared for by the others but as the reality of her new life set in she had been determined to be of use. Samia had been glad to teach the princess how to cook, sew and clean and Airianna had carried out her new skills dutifully. This experience would forever change the pampered princess of the Citadel.
By the time they had reached Lillydale they had all grown into a family. It was there in Lillydale that they would decide their course and form the resistance. How much had changed in that short time until now.
'Come', said Tah'lon, interrupting Faiths thoughts, 'Airianna wants to speak to us.'
She nodded and smiled. Airianna may not act like a typical royal, to anyones standards, but she certainly went over each strategic plan like one. Earu would be pleased, he had spent the last three years training Airianna to be “royal”.
She would have none of it Faith remembered with a wave of pride. Airianna had been shocked by the world outside the Citadel; sickened even, that the many suffered and toiled while the few prospered in luxury. Faith had been in awe of her friend, determined to embrace the life of the populace, she would allow no one to treat her as any different from anyone else. If she regained the throne it would be a new era for Cleos.
Faith walked away from the fire and she and Tah'lon headed over to the meeting tent. Airianna was poring over a sheet of parchment when the two entered. She was dressed in the simply cream chemise and kirtle she favored. It was fastened around the waist by a small bodice of yellow brocade.
She looked up and smiled at her two dear friends 'Good morning Faith, Tah'lon. I wanted to show you this' she indicated the letter in her hands ' Sariah has been more successful than we dared hope. You were right Faith she was a perfect choice to infiltrate Draikin's court. It says here she was able to persuade on the new 'dukes' to give her a position as a chamber maid'
'I can only imagine how a girl like Sariah might 'persuade' a duke' Faith smirked
'What ever do you mean?' asked Tah'lon in mock horror
'You know exactly what I mean Tah'lon, and thats precisely why I knew she would be perfect as a spy'
'You were more right about that than I dared hope' said Airianna handing the letter to Faith.
'See here' she indicated on the page ' she overheard her duke talking to someone about a ship that was due to arrive shortly, according to what she was able to overhear Draikin is about to receive a shipment containing something that will ensure his victory over the Northern Kingdoms. From what she could ascertain it was a secret mission given to Theogun and he is due to arrive in a matter of days. If we can intercept the shipment before they deliver it we may just have what we need to remove that snake off the throne once and for all' a wave of anger washed over the princesses delicate features momentarily.
Any mention of Airiannas uncle, Draikin, the man who had sent the Mercenaries to clear him a path to the throne, had a visible effect on the princess. Normally a gentle quiet creature who detested the thought of violence, she could quite suddenly become a force for vengeance if her sense of justice was aroused.
'This is more than we could have hoped for' Tah'lon exclaimed, he suddenly swept Faith off the ground and spun her around like a child 'Tah'lon' she childed gently as he set her back down ' what have I told you about that?' she laughed as Airianna grinned at them.
'Come, we three have two days before the ship arrives' said Airianna as she rolled out a large map of Cleos 'We have much to do.'
Flames burning. People screaming. Lady Amaranths face contorted in agony. Blood, dripping down the walls.
Faith sat bolt upright in her bed, sweat glistening on her skin as the last traces of the nightmare fled into the night.
She closed her eyes and drew in a large breath. It had been this way almost every night for the past three years. Laying back down she concentrated on breathing, and slowing her pulse down.
Throwing her covers to the side in exasperation, she stood up and turned up the glows so that a soft light permeated the early morning darkness.
She regarded her reflection in the mirror beside the bed, her long hair fell in a cascade of black curls flowing past the middle of her back.
She had changed so much since her time at the Citadel. No longer that innocent handmaiden living a pampered life within the confines of the Citadel.
The night they had escaped the worst massacre in living history had indelibly changed Faith, brutally casting her from the only life she had ever known, into the harsh reality of life. Yet her green eyes held none of the fear they had but a short three years ago. Her face was a mask of quite strength and independence.
She pulled her night gown over her shoulders and threw it in the corner by the bed. She selected a plain cotton chemise and a green kirtle that laced up at the sides. This particular kirtle featured two splits in the front that allowed for easy movement. The simple woolen garment fitted snug against her waist accentuating her shapely curves. Despite the rigorous training that had hardened her body for battle she was still lithe and agile. Tucking her hair behind one ear, she gave her reflexion one last glance before turning down the glows and leaving her small wagon.
The burgeoning light of a new morning greeted her as the village was slowly coming to life, though, Faith reflected once again, 'village' was a term applied lightly. It was in point of fact more a caravan made up of several wagons and many tents. The resistance had avoided detection by constantly moving about, never staying in one place too long.
Faith made her way over to the kitchen tent, the fires already crackling merrily in the rough stone ovens. Greyonya added something to a large boiling kettle, humming contentedly to herself. Glancing up as Faith approached, a warm smile broke out on the old womans face.
'Good morning my dear, I hope you slept well?' she asked, motherly concern in her voice.
Faith shook her head briefly in answer. 'Ah well, dear, come sit and have a cup of Zarah. Freshly brewed.' Greyonya ladled the steaming liquid into a metal mug and handed it to her.
Faith gave her thanks and took a tentative sip, letting the hot brew warm her; then another larger one. 'Divine,' she said with a sigh, smiling.
Greyonya clucked with pride and went about chopping an onion for the morning meal.
Foot steps coming from behind caused Faith to turn and see Tah'lon approaching from his tent. Greyonya had a mug of Zarah ready for her grandson by the time he arrived. Taking the brew from her, he placed a kiss on her wrinkled old cheek and joined Faith by the fire.
She noticed the tell-tale dark smudge under his eyes and knew he too had suffered a sleepless night.
'Good morning Faith, I trust you slept well?' Tah'lon asked in his deep smooth voice.
She merely shrugged and finished her drink.
They sat in companionable silence as the fire popped and crackled before them.
Gazing into the flames Faith was reminded yet again of that night, she could scarcely believe a whole three years had passed. It felt as though it were a lifetime ago or the day before last, a strange concoction of emotions they had all felt from time to time.
She remembered running though the forest; fleeing from the flames, the screams. She shuddered at the memory. It had been terrifying but somehow they had managed to escape, it had taken the group of seven a full three days to pass through the forest and come to a small village.
No guards had been posted there, a sign they took to mean their escape had not yet been noticed. Faith had stayed with the others as Tah'lon entered the village alone. Managing to exchange what little coin and jewels they had escaped with he secured two horses, a glow powered wagon and a small amount of hunting and cooking supplies and what little extra he could barter for. He had made no mention of the attack or his name and when the group had reunited with him he had confirmed news of the attack was yet to reach the small village. None the less they had not tarried any longer than it took to bridle the horses and start the glow generator to get the wagon moving.
The first few weeks on the roads had been hard on the whole group, emotions were high and they were all suddenly thrust into a life the Citadel had not equipped them for.
They traveled on, bound for Lillydale Tah'lon and Faiths birth town. Although they had both been living at the Citadel, their families had remained. It had taken them a full three months journey, avoiding the main roads and staying together. Tah'lon, Jargon and Remmit the guardsmen had been valiant in their efforts to hunt and supply the group with food and water. Samia, who had been a kitchen maid along with her son Frelgion had taken it upon themselves to prepare the meals for the group. Faith built the fire, gathered firewood and set up the camp as best as she could. At first Airianna had been cared for by the others but as the reality of her new life set in she had been determined to be of use. Samia had been glad to teach the princess how to cook, sew and clean and Airianna had carried out her new skills dutifully. This experience would forever change the pampered princess of the Citadel.
By the time they had reached Lillydale they had all grown into a family. It was there in Lillydale that they would decide their course and form the resistance. How much had changed in that short time until now.
'Come', said Tah'lon, interrupting Faiths thoughts, 'Airianna wants to speak to us.'
She nodded and smiled. Airianna may not act like a typical royal, to anyones standards, but she certainly went over each strategic plan like one. Earu would be pleased, he had spent the last three years training Airianna to be “royal”.
She would have none of it Faith remembered with a wave of pride. Airianna had been shocked by the world outside the Citadel; sickened even, that the many suffered and toiled while the few prospered in luxury. Faith had been in awe of her friend, determined to embrace the life of the populace, she would allow no one to treat her as any different from anyone else. If she regained the throne it would be a new era for Cleos.
Faith walked away from the fire and she and Tah'lon headed over to the meeting tent. Airianna was poring over a sheet of parchment when the two entered. She was dressed in the simply cream chemise and kirtle she favored. It was fastened around the waist by a small bodice of yellow brocade.
She looked up and smiled at her two dear friends 'Good morning Faith, Tah'lon. I wanted to show you this' she indicated the letter in her hands ' Sariah has been more successful than we dared hope. You were right Faith she was a perfect choice to infiltrate Draikin's court. It says here she was able to persuade on the new 'dukes' to give her a position as a chamber maid'
'I can only imagine how a girl like Sariah might 'persuade' a duke' Faith smirked
'What ever do you mean?' asked Tah'lon in mock horror
'You know exactly what I mean Tah'lon, and thats precisely why I knew she would be perfect as a spy'
'You were more right about that than I dared hope' said Airianna handing the letter to Faith.
'See here' she indicated on the page ' she overheard her duke talking to someone about a ship that was due to arrive shortly, according to what she was able to overhear Draikin is about to receive a shipment containing something that will ensure his victory over the Northern Kingdoms. From what she could ascertain it was a secret mission given to Theogun and he is due to arrive in a matter of days. If we can intercept the shipment before they deliver it we may just have what we need to remove that snake off the throne once and for all' a wave of anger washed over the princesses delicate features momentarily.
Any mention of Airiannas uncle, Draikin, the man who had sent the Mercenaries to clear him a path to the throne, had a visible effect on the princess. Normally a gentle quiet creature who detested the thought of violence, she could quite suddenly become a force for vengeance if her sense of justice was aroused.
'This is more than we could have hoped for' Tah'lon exclaimed, he suddenly swept Faith off the ground and spun her around like a child 'Tah'lon' she childed gently as he set her back down ' what have I told you about that?' she laughed as Airianna grinned at them.
'Come, we three have two days before the ship arrives' said Airianna as she rolled out a large map of Cleos 'We have much to do.'
