Chapter 10 – Reunion

Corelle La’Tor finally had some time to think about the whole situation as she made her trip to Castle Wevis. First, Harks left with some strangely dressed woman. They seemed to try to avoid being noticed. They were obviously fleeing from someone. Then Telerine showed up and left the Library with a few of the Queen’s Own. High Queen Viona was undoubtedly involved. Telerine’s hands were cuffed. She’s not in league with the Queen’s Own. Going back to Harks. He was summoned to the Castle to be “married” to the King, which is obviously a joke. Missing link one: Why did Harks suddenly return to the Library when he should be enjoying his stay in the Castle? Missing link two: Who’s the strangely dressed woman? Why does she dress like a fighter? First a male weaver and now a female warrior? This is strange times indeed. Corelle tried her best the piece the puzzle together and came up with a plausible answer. That the High Queen’s was involved was an undeniable fact. Not only that, she must be working against the Tabuta siblings. It was evident in Telerine’s case. As to Harks, King Bola would never let anyone harm his best friend, anyone except the High Queen, the only person in Centa his Majesty was afraid of. Granted, there were still a lot of holes in the story, like why the High Queen did what she did. Again, however, Corelle was not interested in the story, only how she could take advantage of it.

 

The Academy has been restrained for far too long. The Art is diminishing. Why does no one see it? If only the Academy could expand out of Centa. If only I could show them what I have been doing…

—

High Queen Viona had been in a bad mood ever since her encounter with Ambassador Kobin. She was never the cheering sort, but when she was in her bad mood, which was seldom, people could do well to stay out of her arm’s reach. Which was why Gilfrin Haylan, the commanding soldier in charge of capturing Harks, was so frightened when he was waiting to be summoned. He was not afraid of a death sentence. Any soldier his rank was beyond the fear of death. He was afraid of the unknown punishment. The High Queen was known to devise punishment that ridiculed the person’s own pride. He had his share of laughing at others, some of which eventually went insane or suicide. He never felt sorry for them until now, when he was about to meet a similar fate.

Telerine Tabuta did not share Gilfrin’s fear. For one thing, she was not aware of the High Queen’s reputation around Castle Wevis. For another, she probably would not be afraid even if she knew. The only real fear she had had was for another person, her brother, to be exact, though she would not admit it, even to herself. Despite her lack of fear, she was quite aware of the atmosphere building around her, especially when Gilfrin kept trembling when the double-door opened. Let’s see how the High Queen managed to put such fear in this fearless soldier. Who knows, maybe I’ll pick up a few tricks from her Highness too, she amused herself.

Gilfrin Haylan dropped to his knees as soon as he entered the Hearing Chamber. Telerine could not help a giggle.

“I see you have changed Harks into a girl, soldier,” High Queen Viona mocked.

“And you Majesty has changed into her Highness,” Telerine said before she knew what she was doing. She did not, however, regret what she had just done. Rather, she met the High Queen in the eyes. I just hope this doesn’t go against my chance with his Majesty.

Great anger swelled up in Viona. It was not just that the speaker had used her own words against her, it was the implication of the content, that she was ruling instead of her son, that made her mad. She caught herself just as she was about to stand up. Instead, she looked at Gilfrin. “Who have you brought back?”

“Telerine Tabuta, your Highness. She’s the sister of Harks,” Gilfrin stammered.

“I thought I said to find Harks. Why don’t you just bring his dog?”

“Dogs bite, your Highness,” Telerine said.

“You know I can put you to death with a wink,” Viona threatened. “So start to behave yourself.”

“Everyone dies eventually, your Highness. Why worry about death when it’s the end of it all?”

“Death is not the end!” Viona rose from her throne and shouted. She then fell silent, realizing what she had just spoke. She sat down before she spoke again. “I can make you wish you were dead.”

“And I can make King Rufford come back to life.” Telerine was angry. She thought the High Queen was a good match. What the High Queen just said dispelled any respect she had for her Highness. Death is not the end, what a childish talk. “Don’t just talk, do your worst!” Now she regretted her words, for she would never find out what had happened to her brother. Oh mother, I’m sorry I never listened when you said to control my temper.

 

“If I did, that would be listening to your order. I don’t need to prove anything to you anyway.” The High Queen’s bad habit returned. She was not about to let Harks’ sister have the last word. Strange enough, even though she was angry, at the same time she was glad someone bantered with her. It somehow made her feel alive. I’ll deal with you later. “Soldier, you’re dismissed. Keep searching for Harks. And take this loud mouthed woman to the dungeons on your way out. I hope Harks will be more cooperative with her sister around.

—

Losinia awoke with a start. She was lying on a bed. Where am I? Why am I here? What’s happened? Then she remembered. The Fallen Garden. The people I met don’t seem like the Elders I was told. I don’t feel the kind of awe people say I should. Maybe this is just another place the Elders have been to. But why would they put the Father and Mother together? Did the Mother not betray the Father?

 

“Feeling better now?” a man’s voice asked.

Losinia turned to look at the man. She would have noticed his presence had she been more aware of her surroundings. Her experience in the past few days had totally broken her trained instincts.

“Excuse me,” the man apologized when he saw the start on Losinia’s face. “You fainted at the Square. I took the liberty of taking you away from the Sun, and any baddies that might happen upon the area.”

Losinia did not respond. She did not know what to say.

“You’re obviously too tired, lady. Get some sleep and perhaps you’ll tell me what’s happened when you awake?”

“No, I’m fine, thank you. Who are you? Are you one of the Elders?”

The man looked puzzled. Elders? “I’m sorry, lady. Where are my manners? I’m Dofian Tay of Jurostic, a paid wagon guard. As to your other question, I’m not sure what you mean so I’m afraid I’ll just have to say no, I’m not.”

So far, the man had been behaving in a civil way. Losinia decided to open up herself a little more. “I’m Losinia. I… I’m not from around here. Are you familiar with the Parents?”

Oh no, she might hit her head too hard in the fall. “Parents? Yours or mine?” Dofian joked.

Losinia did not get the jest. “I mean the statues in the Square where I fell?”

“They’re dead for a hundred years.” She does have a problem. “And as far as my memory can tell, they never have any children. They aren’t even lovers in history. Their love only exists in tales.” Why do I go along with her madness?

“But they’re your ancestors, aren’t they?”

“Not exactly, no. I’m Jurostican and they’re Centan, though some said Antarica was actually Winderian. Look, lady, you obviously need some more rest. When you wake up again, I’m sure it’ll all come back to you. No one in this world doesn’t know of the Heroes of the Mage War.”

Losinia agreed silently. Instead of trying to get some more rest, she tried to piece the information together. Maybe the Elders have different tribes, and the man belongs to another. Dofian’s history of them go back a hundred years, but mine five hundred. How could that be? Why do they put Father and Mother together? Maybe it’s just one big coincidence! That’s it, I worry too much…

 

With the comforting thought in her mind, Losinia drifted back to sleep.

—

Why do I even bother? Harks kept asking the same question on his way. She doesn’t love me, that’s the end of it! How would I feel if Bola kept coming after me? And isn’t it better that we separate ourselves? Whoever’s looking for us would probably be looking for a couple. I should just go back home and flee with mother. But if they decide to go after mother, it’s too late for me to warn her. I can only hope that mother is alright.

 

Harks could reason all he wanted, but his feet still followed the road. And his ears betrayed him as well. He had been hearing a lot of talk about a strangely dressed woman riding a horse. The nightmare did not haunt him again, but he found no replenishment in sleeping. Then finally he arrived at Centrion.

—

Gilfrin Haylan escorted Telerine Tabuta to the dungeons reluctantly. Despite her behavior in the Hearing Chamber, it was probably the reason why his life was spared. He felt he owed her somehow. He had seldom felt so helpless in his life.

And then salvation arrived around the corner.

Salvation came in the form of his Majesty King Bola of Centa. King Bola was quite aware of the High Queen’s meeting with Harks’ sister. Although he had not got any details yet, he knew he must meet his lover’s sister.

Gilfrin bowed and gave way as soon as he saw the King. Telerine, on the other hand, just stood there and paralyzed. She could feel her heart pounding hard. Silly woman, you don’t even know his Majesty!

“Your Majesty,” Telerine stammered.

“You must be Telerine Tabuta,” King Bola stated. He lifted her right hand and kissed the back of it.

He kissed me! Oh, don’t be foolish, it’s just common courtesy!

King Bola turned to Gilfrin. “I believe the lady’s accommodation has been taken care of?”

“Yes, your Majesty.” Gilfrin’s tone was low.

“Just make sure she’s staying in the best of the Castle’s suites. Say, how about the Blooming Blossoms Suite in the South Wing?”

Gilfrin did not answer.

“Does no one respect the King anymore?” Bola asked at no one in general.

“Pardon me, your Majesty, but her Highness the High Queen has ordered me to take this lady to the dungeons.”

“The dungeons! Surely you don’t believe it coming out of her Highness’ mouth! You must be mistaken. Soldier, you look tired. Why don’t you get some rest? I relieve you of your day’s duty. I shall personally escort the lady.”

Telerine blushed.

King Bola held Telerine’s arms and walked. He kept silent all the way. Is he expecting me to saying something? What should I say to him?

The King finally spoke when they had arrived at the door of the Blooming Blossom Suite. “Rule number one, never cross a senior family member. Goodnight, my lady.”

Telerine’s heart jumped.

—

Losinia still did not trust Dofian, but she felt comfortable being with him. Dofian, on the other hand, opened himself up almost completely. Dofian was a paid wagon guard who was looking for a job to go back to Jurostic. He needed to leave in three days whether he found a job or not or he would miss his wife’s birthday. Dofian looked young, but he talked as if he had started his life early. He had spent his teens in a place called Mordin, a free country where no kings or queens ruled and every law was determined by guilds. He talked as if he was still fond of the place, but when Losinia tried to ask him why he left she met a shut door. He met his wife, Jania, in Mordin and they had spent some time adventuring together. His wife’s latest adventure was Jodian Tay, their two-year-old son. When Losinia was reluctant to answer him any questions about herself, he did not push the issue. Losinia was glad, but at the same time puzzled over his motives. Who would help another with no objectives of his own? What does he want from me? Is he even telling the truth about his wife?

She had decided that to unveil her doubts. She must make him think that she trusted him totally. “Dofian, I know I haven’t been fair in our conversation. You tell me a lot about yourselves and I hardly tell you my story.”

“That’s alright, Losinia. I’m not in the business of prying into other’s secrets.”

“No, it’s not a secret at all, Dofian. I just didn’t want to talk about it.”

“If it makes you feel better not to talk about it, then don’t. Although I have yet to see anyone feeling better by keeping unhappiness inside.”

“I think you’re right. The truth is, I was running away. My parents married me to a witless man. I did not like him so I ran away. I’m trying to reach a relative of mine in Jurostic.”

Why is she lying? Perhaps her mind is gone before she fell? Perhaps it is her condition that made her fall in the first place? I feel so sorry for her. She would have made Jania jealous but for her mind. “You can come with me to Jurostic.”

“Thanks, I’ll think about it. There is one more thing… I’ve lost all my money. But I’m a fighter myself so if you could get me a job like yours I could pay you back.”

“Sure,” Dofian said plainly.

“What, you don’t think I’m a fighter? How about we spar each other?”

“Calm down, Losinia. I never said I needed you to pay me back. As to finding a job as a wagon guard, you won’t get any unless you’re in Havinia. Havinian is the only kind who would hire female fighters. Speaking of which, you mustn’t wear your armor here. You’re not in Havinia or Mordin.”

—

Harks’ search ended at the Square. He knew about Losinia’s fall and her rescue by someone called Dofian. They said Dofian was an honorable man. That information eased Harks’ fear a little. He was also able to find out where Dofian was staying.

It did not take Harks long to find the Sword and Shield. As he approached the inn, a couple came out of it. The woman was dressed in green and had a familiar feel. She turned a little and Harks recognized her right away. It was Losinia. She looked even more beautiful in dress than her strange clothes. The couple seemed to be talking, rather closely, Harks observed. His heart sank. Why doesn’t she talk to me like that! This is maddess! I shouldn’t even be here! I’ve done it now. Seeing her talking happily with another man. Are you satisfied now, Harks?

 

Harks’ anger was interrupted by a gentle tap on his shoulder. “Excuse me for intruding, young man. But do you happen to know someone called Jorick Tabuta?”

Harks’ expression changed at the mention of his father’s name. “How do you know my father?”

The old man smiled. “You are Harks? Harks Tabuta?”

“In person. And you sir, you are…?”

“Haman Garda, an old friend of your fathers’. You have the looks of your father, young son.”

Harks turned his head but Losinia was gone. He turned his attention back to Haman. “I’m sorry. You’re my father’s friend. Can you tell me anything about my father? It sounds odd but I have not been able to remember anything about him.”

“Your father. Of course I can tell you about your father. He’s a great man, a man with vision.” Haman pulled Harks closer and lowered his voice before he spoke again. “Have you heard of the Brotherhood of Ancient Wisdom?”

The name sounded familiar to Harks but he could not remember when and where he had heard it. He shook his head no.

“In short, lad, the Brotherhood has two objectives. One, to bring man back to the Art of Weaving. Two, to revive the Art that was lost in the Mage War.”

The Art that was lost…Weave-Crafting!

“Your father was very actively involved in the Brotherhood. That is… until he was murdered.”

Murdered! “Tell me more, Haman.”

Haman looked about. “This isn’t the time or place to talk about such matter. We have a meeting tonight in the abandoned building two blocks that direction. Meet me there when the moon is high up.”

Harks waited anxiously for nightfall. In the mean time, he debated with himself whether to say farewell to Losinia or not. Come on, Harks, so she doesn’t like you. The least you could do is to wish her a safe journey and a happy life with Dofian. No, I can’t do it. Just leave it as it is. Why bother talking to her again? But if you don’t talk to her one last time, you won’t be able to talk to her anymore. Why did you follow her in the first place? What have you come here for? Finish what you’ve started. Deep inside, without admitting to himself, Harks was hoping for a chance to make up with her.

In the end Harks waited in the Tavern in the Sword and Shield. He did not wait too long before Losinia appeared at the door. She walked toward the stairs and did not see Harks.

“Losinia!” Harks shouted.

Losinia looked around. “Harks?” Her sounded pleasantly surprised, then anger. “Quit following me! I thought I’d made it clear.”

“Is he who you’re supposed to marry?” Dofian whispered to Losinia, his hand gripped at the hilt.

“Stay out, Dofian. Let me handle this alone,” Losinia murmured back.

Harks’ heart sank even deeper when he saw the couple whispering to each other. You just haven’t got enough, have you? “I’m sorry, Losinia, I never meant to hurt your feelings. Please forgive me.”

“But you did. I’d appreciate it if you just leave me be. I’ve found someone to take me there. Go back and do whatever you were planning to do before you met me.”

“Let me go to Jurostic with you, please! I’m more capable then you think. Just give me a chance to prove myself.”

Tell the whole world where I’m going! “Harks, please…”

“Why do you hate me so much?”

Yes, why do I hate you so much? Losinia could not answer the question herself. Instead, she ignored him and continued to walk up the stairs.

Harks just stared at his dream lover.

—

“I got it now,” Dofian said when he escorted Losinia back to her room.

“Got what now? I lied?” Losinia was not in a good mood.

“No, I know why you looked familiar. Your’s and his faces are painted all over the wanted board the day I met you. Of course everyone expected to see you both together, which is why no one’s been able to identify you… at least I hope no one has. But I can assure you that if we don’t leave right away, all three of us will be in deep trouble. You sure you don’t want him to come along?”

“I don’t own the road.”

“That’s all I need to know.” Dofian smiled. “Pack up and meet me downstairs.”

Dofian underestimated the efficiency of the guards. By the time he got downstairs he could hear noises getting closer. “Stand behind me!” he ordered Harks. Dofian muttered something beneath his breath. “Now I’m sure I won’t be welcomed in Centa for quite some time,” he murmured.

Harks did not want to appear totally useless. He searched at the back of his mind for something he could use. The Teleport Weave ran across his mind, but he dismissed it almost at once. He did not want to start all over again.

Losinia appeared just as the guards dashed in. They were carrying wooden maces instead of swords. They did not want to kill.

Harks cast his spell just as the guards were about to charge. Dofian and Losinia charged as well, and was met by an invisible wall which tingled yellow when hit.

“What the…” Dofian started.

“Is the back door that way?” Harks asked the bartender, who was awestruck by the former’s display of magic. Taking advantage of the situation, Harks raised his arms and point them toward the bartender. “Yes or no?”

All the bartender could do was nod.

“Let’s go!” Harks barked.

The back door was connected to the stable. Dofian and Losinia each got on a horse. Harks hesitated.

“Not another horse ride.” Harks stated.

Without another word, Dofian dismounted, carried Harks on his shoulder, and mounted again. This is what being honorable gets me into.

—

It was well past midnight and Harks still had not shown up.

“This is entirely your fault, Haman!” a young man said. “You shouldn’t have left him from your sight.”

“I had to or he might grow suspicious,” Haman protested.

“I suppose asking him to meet at night in an abandoned building doesn’t make him grow suspicious? Haman, how many times have I asked you to put the Brotherhood in your first place and your family second?”

“I did, Cloman…”

“If you did, Haman, you would have found excuses to stay with the Weaver instead of going off to get some candy for your daughter.

“You’ve failed, Haman, and that’s a fact. If not for your friendship with the Great Leader, I would have disposed of you myself! He can’t be too far. Now find him!”