Arranged (10 page)

With a heavy sigh, he turned away and headed to the armory. Servants helped him strip off his armor and led him to the baths. The baths consisted of large pools, some warmed by the earth and other cool and refreshing. The crystal blue waters called to him, whispering their serenity.

As he bathed, he could hear the festive music playing in the feasting hall. Qwinn would be expected to join the merriment. He rubbed a hand over his face and sunk lower in the waters. He needed just a moment where all his stress left him alone. Without another thought, he completely submerged himself and swam below the surface. The feeling of gliding through the water with the use of his powerful muscles was almost as good as flying. It worked, for a moment, until Jabr cleared his throat by the side of the water.

Instantly, all of Qwinn's tension returned as he resurfaced and faced his friend. "What is it?" He asked, a little too gruffly.

Jabr did not seem to notice. "The council is gathering."

Qwinn nodded and in one swift motion, he pulled himself out of the water, grabed a towel and began drying off. He quickly dressed, tying a dark blue cloth around his waist and leaving it to hang to his knees with a gold strip of cloth in the front. He also tied his sash around himself, signifying he was royalty.

When he was ready, he walked with Jabr through the halls to the council room, bracing himself for what was surely to come. Jabr nodded encouragingly as Qwinn opened the doors.

The members were discussing softly among themselves as the last few men filed into the room. Qwinn took a seat at the head of the table while Bartus took the foot. Once everyone was settled, Bartus banged his staff, calling attention. "Morinell has read the girl," he paused dramatically.

"And?" Someone finally asked as everyone shifted uncomfortably.

"She is innocent."

The room remained silent for a few seconds, then everyone burst into argument. Qwinn grit his teeth. Why was it so bad that Alison was innocent? Bartus banged his staff. "It was an accident."

"What is the word of one woman?" Someone said loudly, causing the others to uproar.

"She lies!"

"The girl killed Lavtis!"

"Execute her!"

Qwinn couldn't control his anger anymore. He felt strangely protective of Alison, and they were threatening her life once again. He stood so quickly that his chair skittered backwards and tipped over, banging to the floor. Instantly, the room was silent. Qwinn breathed deeply, trying to fight the urge to slice someone's throat. "It was agreed upon by
this
council that Morinell would determine the final sentence of Al…the girl. Through her vision, Morinell has seen her innocence. This meeting was not called to sentence her again. It was merely to inform you," he growled. "With all of you as witnesses, the girl is innocent. End of discussion."

With that, he turned on his heel and banged open the doors. The room was silent behind him.

Qwinn clenched and relaxed his fists as he walked through his halls. He wanted to hit something. How could he think they would except her innocence and leave them in peace? He was a fool. Hope only brought disappointment.

Jabr rushed past him, halting and doubling back. "The meeting is over already?" he asked. One look at the King's face and his questions died in his throat. "They ask for you. The celebration is underway."

Qwinn frowned. "I do not want to go."

Jabr stepped in the King's path. "Your sister requests your presence."

Qwinn paused. He adored his sister. He would do anything for her. He sighed heavily. His men would expect an appearance from him. It seemed that nothing was going as it should today. After a moment of tense silence, Qwinn nodded.

Jabr walked with him to the great feasting hall. They could hear the music playing and his men laughing and being merry without him. It would seem that his sister had allowed the feasting to begin. She probably guessed that he did not want to join.

Qwinn straightened his sash as Jabr pushed open the large doors. The noise level grew as Qwinn stepped in. People were dancing in the center of the feasting hall; food was laid on tables around the edges. On a dais sat his sister and father on top of a large pile of pillows, overlooking the festivities. She was laughing as she leaned over into his ear and whispered something, causing him to chuckle.

Though his father couldn't see, Qwinn was more than certain he was watching everything that was going on with his senses.

Qwinn's twin, Adalia, spotted him and jumped up, her face lit with happiness. Though they were twins, they were as much the same as they were different. His skin was dark, where as hers was a few shades a lighter blue. His eyes were black, where hers were more of a green with a silver ring around the iris. His body had a powerful aura; hers was graceful. However, he loved her as if she were her second half.

She rushed from the dais, her skirt, which was made from slits of cloth, flowed around her long legs. She threw her arms around him in an embrace. "I knew you would come. Father wouldn't believe me."

Qwinn hugged his sister back affectionately. "How could I resist your summons dear sister?" he teased as he led her back to the dais. He bowed his head to acknowledge his father, not knowing what to say. He'd burst out of the council chamber like an angry child and he was still angry.

Qwinn's father, Emrys, nodded back as he motioned him closer. Qwinn sat beside his father on the large pile of pillows.

"The girl is safe. No one will touch her. Now enjoy your victory and relax." He patted his sons shoulder as he stood and held up his hands. The music stopped playing and the room quieted. "King Qwinn has defeated the Torin king!" His voice boomed.

A cheer rose up as the people clapped and Qwinn's warriors hooted. "We thank Ahanu for another day of safety."

Murmurs of prayers were heard throughout the room. Finally Qwinn stood. All eyes were on him. "Let's eat!"

More cheers rang out as the music started up again and platters of food were brought in. Adalia left the dais and hurried to where the people were dancing, joining in the fun. Emrys chuckled and patted Qwinn's arm, motioning for the servants to bring them drinks. Qwinn smiled for his people. But he couldn't help but slouch against the pillows. He didn't feel merriment like those around him so obviously did. He wanted to be alone.

A pretty servant girl poured
cussa
, a sweetened liquor, into a goblet and handed it to the King. He barely noticed her beauty. His mind was far off. He accepted the drink, swishing it in his cup before downing the whole thing. He knew the only way he was going to make it through the rest of the night was by drinking heavily. The girl poured him another, smiling at him.

He turned away once his cup was filled, looking out over his men. They ate and drank and laughed as they yelled over the music, trying to out-do each other with stories of battle. For a moment, Qwinn wished he was back in the fight. When he was fighting for life and honor there was nothing better. All he had to concentrate on was reading his opponent's next move and trying to outsmart him.

Qwinn's mind wandered over the many battles he'd taken part in. To one in particular; he had been too young to fight in the war with the humans, but he swore to himself that he would win, if ever he was faced with the opportunity to fight them again.

He drank two strong gulps, the
cussa
tingling and warming all the way down his throat and into his stomach. His mind wandered back to when he was a child. He stood next to his mother and sister as they watched from their forest house as the men of the tribe prepared to join the humans in war against a neighboring army. The sun had barely set.

Qwinn begged to join, but his mother would not allow it. Qwinn's father stepped before him and embrace him tightly. "Protect your mother and sister while we're gone," he said.

As soon as Qwinn nodded, his father moved on to Adalia. She threw her arms around his neck and held tight. Emrys laughed as he detached her. Then he turned to Qwinn's mother. They embraced and kissed. Her arms lingered around him. "Please be careful." She whispered. He kissed her forehead then patted his children's heads.

The men assembled, Emrys leading the group. He mounted a horse and raised his sword. The men on horses followed, while those on foot marched behind.

Qwinn pulled free from his mothers arm, and ran after them. She called out to him, but he kept running, wanting to join those marching so that he could fight beside his father. He was only a few months from his tests to prove his manhood. He was eager to show off his skills.

Jabr rushed beside him, the beginnings of a mustache showing. "Where are you going?"

"To fight alongside my father."

"Qwinn!" They heard his mother scream.

Bartus, who was bringing up the rear, steered his horse to block the young boys. "Return home, young Qwinn."

Qwinn glared up at him. "I am almost a man. I want to fight!"

Bartus shook his head, his yellow eyes resting on the boy. "When you become a man, there will be plenty of opportunity to fight. Enjoy being a child. Return home. Protect your family."

Swishing his drink, Qwinn swallowed the rest, choosing a selection of meat from a tray placed before him. He had not thought back to that day for a long time. That day had changed everything.

Alison yawned and stretched. It was only after she had recoiled that she realized that something was different. Her eyes popped open in surprise, taking in her surroundings. It was obvious she wasn't in the dungeon anymore.

Her green eyes scanned the room in amazement and fear. She was lying on a large bed with a canopy draped with a silky blue cloth. Lush blue blankets covered her. She moved her ankles and found herself unshackled. Lifting the blanket, she stepped down carefully from the bed. Someone had lit a few candles to light the room. As far as she could tell, the room only had the essentials, a bed, a dresser, a stool and a bedside table.

A shiver ran up her spine as she thought about one of those monsters picking her up and bringing her here without her knowing. She ran her hands over her arms where goose bumps suddenly appeared. She had half a mind to crawl back under the blanket and stay in its warm safety. However, she grit her teeth and forced herself to face the problem at hand.

Her eyes scanned the room again and her heart skipped a beat at what she found.
A door!
She tried to squash the hope that was rising in her, but there was no helping it. Quietly, she crept towards it. Her body protested with stiffness, however she continued across the shadowy room. She reached the door, her every fiber listening to what was happening on the other side. She heard nothing.

Her hand closed around the knob and she sent up a silent prayer that it would be unlocked. Mentally she prepared herself for whatever she would find on the other side. Another deep breath. Her hands were beginning to sweat as she gripped the knob harder. She was ready.
1…2…3!

Her heart sank so quickly that a gasp was forced from her lips. A fierce depression gripped her.
Locked
. She shouldn't be surprised, because hope was cruel. Her shoulders slumped as the energy seemed to be drained from her. However, she did have to admit that it was nice to be able to walk freely and the room wasn't as dark and dank as the dungeon.

Again she scanned the room, as if something would magically change that would allow her release. A more detailed search brought up candlesticks and their holders, a brush, a fresh tunic, a pair of sandals, and an extra blanket. She sighed deeply, suddenly very tired.

She didn't have the strength to deal with this.
Why is life so unfair? I never asked for anything more than to just be happy.
Tears came to her eyes.
Life took my father, nearly forced me to marry James, kidnapped me, and now imprisons me.
Her feet felt like lead as she walked to the window and looked out. There was no way she could use it as an escape. She was well over four stories high. If she jumped, she would surely die from the sheer drop.

Instead of giving over to more despair, she studied the land beneath her. It glowed with a steady greenish light. Even in her room, the strange moss clung to the walls. She could see farther than the village. For a second, it confused her that she could see so far. Then she spotted something strange. She squinted and pressed her face to the cool glass. It looked like a bubble on the ceiling of the large cavern. Through the bubble, she could see light. It shimmered, almost the same way that light reflected through water. Whatever it was, it was lighting the whole cavern in a very dim light, but light after all.

After several minutes of studying the strange sight, she stepped away from the window and turned to find that she was no longer alone in the room.

As soon as her beautiful green eyes landed on him, he wasn't so sure he should have entered without knocking first. She was startled, that was apparent on her face, however, she quickly regained her composure. Qwinn wasn't sure why he had come. Jabr had overseen her transfer from the dungeon to this room, while Qwinn was busy at the feast. The King knew that Jabr would get her here safely. So why was he here?

Going on the second morning with no sleep and coming off his drunken buzz, he couldn't be held accountable for his actions. Though he was drunk, he was fully aware of what was happening, he was just helpless to stop any of it.