Seeking RP Writing Partner

[Poganin]

Ganelon

For the rest of the day Mebbeth and the innkeeper were making sure that he was eating little but drinking much, the midwife's herbal teas most of the time that tasted like dirt and cobwebs mixed together with just the right amount of stink mushroom essence. Ganelon decided he wouldn't be drinking such crazy potions and if he wanted to kill himself he'd plunge a dagger into his heart. With the inkeeper's help Mebbeth poured the nasty beverage into his throat and told him to rest. This wasy Ganelon had wasted two days. Two days that could have brought him a little closer to his beloved Ash or at least provided some answers to the questions that were pestering him. Very often he was taking out the small figurine that Matrim had given him, stroking the ebony features with his thumbs and sighing. He missed her so much, her gentle touches, her kisses and the sound of her voice.

He paid no attention to Mebbeth's mumblings and pieces of good advice she was giving him about what positions were good for conception, and how she would have loved to be the godmother of their child and such babblings of an old woman. He had to get out of there and be on his way back to Tylen. He was a little afraid that Zelgadiss might think that he had decided to escape and already issued a letter to the Swordbearer council. It was true that he was weak but he figured that he would be able to sit in the saddle now. Neither Mebbeth's spirits nor her expertise were able to tell why he had almost puked his guts out, she detected no poison in him and his reactions to certain probing herbs were negative. It must have meant that he hadn't been poisoned but that his body was seized by some unexplainable fit of exhausting vomits.

On the following morning despite Mebbeth's protests Ganelon got up and dressed himself and after a small breakfast slowly walked to Kashell's smithy. The big blacksmith welcomed him cordially and seeing his paleness and weak step offered a bottle of stohl which he gladly accepted and took a big swig. Instantly he felt warmth spreading inside him and sat down on a bench with a thump, fighting for breath.

"That's a good, lad. This'll make hair grow on yer chest!"

"My thanks, Kashell. But tell me, have you any news for me?"

"Nothin' big I'm afraid. I do know be happenin' to know that this Garlock fella be hiring a lot of workers, sailors, carpenters, stonemasons, artisans... Seems as if he were buildin' sumptin' big I reckon. This is as much as me friends were able to find out. Does that help ye, lad?"

"I need to think about this but this might a useful bit of information. I thank you, Master Kashell. Oh, do you know of an Easterner going by the name of al'Lan who supposedly lives here in this town? He has a curio shop or something like that. I was told he might be able to point me in the right direction."

"Oh aye, al'Lan be right enough bloke for one of them crazy bowing and smiling bastards. He lives just down the street. Ye'll recognise his house as it smells of incense terribly. Jest tern to the right as you leave me smithy."

"Again I thank you. One last thing, Master Kashell... How much would you charge for that sword you lent me the other day?"

"What? You want to buy it?"

"That I do. It served me well and I think it might come useful."

"For you, lad, it'll be 4000 gold coins."

"Deal!" Ganelon dipped his fingers into a secret pocket in his belt and dug up a diamond roughly the size of a thumb's fingernail. He put the gem on the anvil. "Keep the change, Master Kashell. This one should net you 6000 at least. I thank you for all the help you provided. May Gods protect you." Ganelon said and took the sword from Kashell's hands.

He left the dumbfounded blacksmith and left the smithy in order to go and have a talk with the mysterious Easterner.

 

[Guest]

Milly carefully let Ash drink some cool water and was able to feed her a few solid foods that seemed to stay down this time. Relieved by the small nourishment she could get, Ash sat quietly by the fire contemplating Merygold’s words. Could she trust the witch after her betrayment? Had she known all along that Ganelon was the key and that their union would strengthen their bond, but weaken them also when torn apart?

She sighed in frustration, ignoring Milly’s curious look. She was too weak to travel, even if she was able to escape. She couldn’t ride a horse in her condition or walk very far without becoming ill all over again. Pondering her situation, she wondered what Garlock would do if he knew. She bit her lip in worried, staring into the flames, letting the warmth seep into her bones. Where was Ganelon? Was he alive? Lost? Hurt? Her heart seemed to hurt with constant stress of not knowing.

Milly hummed a gentle tune beside her and Ash found herself drifting into a calming meditation. She forced her mind to go blank and absorbed the energy from the flames before her, trying to clam her senses and ease the discomforts of her rapidly growing pregnancy…

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon entered the building strongly smelling of incense and foreign spices and was immediately greeted with a bow by a thin, dark-skinned man who crossed his forearms on his chest as he spoke his welcome. "Welcome, ervendil, to my humble shop. How does thi day find you?"

The humble shops main hall was roughly the size of the large inn mess room and was filled with cabinets, cupboards, shelves and chairs. On the floor a rich, colourful rug lay displaying a group of knights chasing a unicorn. The variety of scents tickled Ganelon's nose, making him sneeze powerfully to which the man spoke something in his own laguage. There were a variety of jars, jugs and small pouches displayed everywhere, there were figurines of different ages and origins, pieces or armour and weaponry, books, necklaces, armlets, rings, precious gems and other itmes Ganelon had no names for.

"Does it matter?" Ganelon asked to the host's greeting.

"It does matter to me plenty, ervendil."

"Then it finds me miserable I must say."

"Ah, I hope the good Lady Fortune smiles upon you more, yes? But please, sit down and let us discuss the point of your visit over some kof and a smoke, hmmm?"

"Actually I'm..." Ganelon began but the small man put a hand on his arm and led him to a pile of cushions arranged in the corner and bade him sit. In a moment al'Lan was back with a tray containing some strongly smelling and steaming beverage which he poured into two small bowls, offering one to Ganelon and taking the other for himself.

"This is kof, ervendil. We never speak without one in my country. It makes our minds clear and our tongues flexible."

"My thanks for your hospitality. The matter I came to you with is..."

"Ah, before we begin... may I interest you in a most peculiar piece, ervendil? By the look in your eyes I see you are impatient but patience in one of the first things every Zaharan learns. Here, this is the necklace worn by Tamarion, the leader of the Sand Scorpion tribe of Dune Nomads. I noticed that the gem set into the middle of the intricate gold and ivory ornament has the exactly same colour as your eyes. I think it will look exceptionally good on you. It can be yours for only 400 pieces of gold."

"Sir, I didn't come here to shop. Matrim told me you can..."

"Ah, you are a friend of Matrim's. Friends of my friends are my friends as well. You can have it for 350 gold pieces then."

"Al'Lan, really I can't buy this from you, even if you offered it for 150"

"Ervendil! 150?! Are you trying to rob me!? I have an ailing wife, a leprous son and a limping daughter! I need to provide for them! Believe me, you are my friend, if I could I would sell it to you for 150 but you must understand the situation I'm in. Please, perhaps 330 wouldn't make your pouch too light?"

"What!? 330 for such a shiny bauble?! Why, my good man, that's a robbery! I'm pretty sure it isn't worth more than 200," Ganelon retorted nor even noticing he'd fallen for the shopkeeper's game of haggling.

...The evening promised to be long...

 

[Guest]

And so the day continued with no signs of Garlock returning. Ash was happy that he was letting her be when another strange turn of events happened. Milly came bounding in that evening, looking rather flushed and eager to talk to Ash.

"What's the matter?" She asked curiously, her heart skipping beats in her excitement, "Ganelon? Is it him?"

Milly shook her head, "No miss...no...but I was out getting water for your bath when an old hag came by. At first I thought she was finish for food or money and was trying to get rid of her, then she said your name. She knows you miss. She bade me to tell you that Mebbeth is here to help."

Ash gaped, "Mebbeth? But she is old and almost blind. How did she...?"

Milly shrugged, "I do not know Miss, but if you could get yourself out of this room...perhaps she and I can help you miss...we could spirit you away somehow to your loved one or at least away from this place."

Ash smiled happily for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. "Oh yes...please Milly. Go and fetch Garlock...ask him if I can take a short walk outside...perhaps in late afternoon tomorrow...tell him the air will help me recover fast...make something up...make him believe Milly, please!"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

It was late in the night when Ganelon finally managed to leave al'Lan's shop and hurried quickly to the nearest narrow alley to relieve his bursting bladder. Together with the merchand they drank several cups of kof and a bottle of wine. He enjoyed the light white hum in his head the alcohol caused and with light steps went on his way back to the inn. He felt much stronger after what the Easterner had fed him that after Mebbeth's herba teas that made him sich each time he smelled them. On his neck hung the necklace of Tamarion which he had eventually bought for 270 gold coins, in his right boot a beautiful gilded stiletto was stuck and on his hands he wore finest gloves made of camel leather. He got the stiletto and the gloves for free when he bought the necklace and Ganelon suspected that each of the two items was worth more that the shiny bauble that dangled on his neck.

He entered his room trying to make as little noise as possible and tried to undress himself but his fingers wouldn't obey him, so he just removed the gloves, boots, unbuckled his belts and fell on the bed instantly falling asleep. He woke up to something stinking being poured in his mouth and he spat and sputtered and felt the hot liquid drop on his breast. Opening his eyes he saw incredibly merry Mebbeth with a green cup in her hand.

"What in Nine Hells are you doing, woman?! Trying to drown me in my sleep? Be gone with your herbs and concoctions. I'm feeling good already."

"Ah, the hot-headed knight is finally feeling better. Although his tongue seems to need washing with grey soap."

"I'm feeling better already! And I'm getting out of here. I need to return to Tylen as soon as possible."

"Ah, true, that you must. Save your woman from evil warlock you must," Mebbeth cackled. "Well, what are you waiting for? Get dressed and off with you!"

Ganelon got up and cleaned himself, putting on his clothes he eyed the old midwife warily but she seemed occupied with her knitting. Closing the door behind him and trotting down the stairs he mumbled, "Crazy old hag..."

In three minutes he was on his horse and galloping to Tylen.

 

[Guest]

Ash should have known that it wouldn't have been as easy as planned. Instead of letting her go for a walk alone, later that afternoon Garlock waltz in, looking as pleased as pie that she wanted to exit her room.

She forced on a bit of a smile as he tugged her up from her seat, noticing her growing condition with pleasure. "You make a lovely pregnant woman, Ash...if only you felt better."

She said nothing to that comment...it meant nothing to her coming from him. All she wanted to do was run to Ganelon and wrap herself around him for comfort. A small part of her feared his reaction to her condition...even if he had mentioned wanting children...his and hers...

Nervous, she tapped down her mounting fear. How would she get to Mebbeth now. Garlock didn't seem to notice as he held her arm twined with his and walked them down to the courtyard. Outside she breathed in deeply and tried to focus on her suroundings without looking obvious. Her eyes instantly spotted the old woman, but a fountain, pretending to gather water. Ash's eyes narrowed, trying to study her. Mebbeth? No...this woman was very similar but not the Mebbeth she had met before. Perhaps a sister or relative? She didn't know...didn't care...she just wanted to get word to her that things were not going as planned...

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

The road had taken him three days and by the evening of the third day he crossed the gates just before sundown closing. The streets were crowded and the people were dressed in colourful garments as if it were some holiday. Streets were brightly lit with lanterns and toches and many partidcipants also carried sources of light. Minstrels and gleemen were in the streets reciting poetry, playing merry music, jumping, throwing weird objects towards each other and walking on their hands. Children were running about and making merry, stealing apples and sweets from market stands. It was curious that trade was still taking place. And the noise was almost unbearable: from merchants praising their goods to singing minstrels to shouting children.

Ganelon slowly rode on his horse through the crowd in no real hurry to return to Zelgadiss's mansion. Passing one of the merchant stands he noticed a big sign speaking CHOKOLATE. Suddenly kicked by a flow of emotion, longing and tenderness he leaned in his saddle and threw a coin at the man and pointed to one of the bags. Smiling, the merchant handed him the small pouch of chocolate and bowed. Ganelon fished one of the small sweets and put it in his mouth hoping that Ash won't notice when they are finally reunited. Which he hoped would be very soon. He missed her so much, she was in his dreams and thoughts constantly and her absence at his side made him sometimes think that their meeting was just a long, happy dream from which he had simply awakened to face a cruel reality -- that there never was any Ash he had fallen so madly in love with. He tried not to give in to such thoughts, not torturing himself and hated Zelgadiss and Merygold for separating them so cruelly.

Sweetness filling his mouth he kicked at the gate to his uncle's mansion and when the peephole opened without really caring who appeared in there he said, "Open up!"

In a moment the gates were indeed opened and he rode in, jumped down from the wonderful animal -- he was proud to have ridden it -- and marched toward the entrance to the house. Hate and anger boild within him.

 

[Guest]

If she had been strolling along with Ganelon, this would have been a perfect day. The sun shining, birds singing, the beautiful gardens around the mansion...it was all wonderful, but her company dampened her moods and tied Ash's stomach in knots.

Garlock didn't seem to mind her trying to shrink away as he head her arm securely around his and patted her hand. "There now, my dear...I hope you are feeling better this afternoon."

Ash rubbed her belly, wanting to relay her love for her son that grew at rapid speeds inside. She could already feel the flutter of life within that made her heart sore and ache all at once. Ganelon's son...their baby. "I am feeling better, m'lord." She murmured, her voice distant as she searched out the woman who claimed to be Mebbeth but was not. However, as they turned the corner to the gardens she lost sight of the lady and was forced into a more private setting with Garlock. Much to her dismay.

A shout in the background caught Garlock's attention and he turned to listen, then bowed. "I must head off and greet a guest. I want you to return to your room now, Ash. Milly will be along to fetch you."

Had he a better choice, he would have never left her alone for a moment, but Ganelon was announced to have returned and he had to come between the young man and his prize. Ash sighed in relief as he left and quickly walked back around the mansion to seek the older lady. She searched and looked, but found no one other than her maid running to fetch her. She was out of breath when she reached her. "Mistress! Ganelon is here!"

Ash stood stunned, gaping. "He is? Where Milly, where?"

Milly drew in a breath, "I heard a guard announce his arrival when I was fetching things from the market. I came to tell you quickly!"

Ash began to move, breaking into a half run to the gates, but Milly stopped her. "No Mistress...Garlock would be furious. You mustn't go!"

Ash tried pulling away, her eyes shiny with fresh tears. "Milly, Ganelon is here, finally. He's not dead. I must go to him!"

"NO!" The maid exclaimed and lead her aside, "You will anger Garlock!"

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

Zelgadiss met Ganelon halfway, his eyes full of anger that filled his body. The younger man cared little for his uncle's fits, he did what he was asked to do and wanted out of here to go out and search for Ash! Who knows where exactly she was but being confined to this rich prison only prolonged their separation and made his heart ache. Ganelon was slowly losing patience and most gladly would just skewer Zelgadiss on his swords to get rid of this niusance in his life.

"You took your precious time, nephew. A trip that should have taken you a week lasted for almost a month. I was beginning to worry that you ran away and I would have to inform the council..." his face reddened as Ganelon yawned into his fist and look at him scornfully. "You will know your place, whelp! Guards! Take him back to the dungeon! And disarm him!"

The moment those last words were leaving Zelgadiss's mouth, Ganelon's swords were out of their sheathes, pointed at the guards.

"Take one step closer, you bastards, and I will cut you to ribbons. I dare you to make my day like that. I haven't killed anyone in a while and my hands itch! What shall it be? Do you feel lucky?"

The guards stopped dead in their tracks and shifted uncomfortably, glancing at each other and at their master.

"How fiery! How commendable!" Zelgadiss laughed and put his hand on the young Swordbearer's shoulder. "Calm down, nephew. Easy does it."

Ganelon felt a shiver in the hand that held his family sword and curiously enough the pendant he had bought from al'Lan became warm on his breast. Zelgadiss was using magic?! But the Swordbearers were all unable to use magic from ancestral times! How was this possible. He decided to play along and see what might come out from this. He relaxed and tried to look carefree and resigned. He sheathed his swords.

"There, isn't that better? Take him away and lock him down. You can leave the weapons with him. They will be of no use to him."

 

[Guest]

Reluctantly Ash let herself be led back inside and up to her room with Milly. She sighed heavily as she sat down, rubbing her belly. Her back ached and she was hungry and nauseous. Settling back down the bed, she tried to relax her body as Milly fluttered around her. "Do not worry, I will find him and get word to him that you are here. We will get you out...you just have to have faith and wait a bit longer."

Ash tried to smile, but it looked almost pained. "I know Milly...I trust you...I just miss him so." She took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes shut. "How ironic...I was doing fine in life alone...was lonely, but needed no one and now I can't bare the thought of living without this man. I feel weak for it, but I do not regret it. Please...find him and let me know what he says, Milly. We must get out of here before it's too late."

The maid nodded, moving to the door. "I shall return with food shortly, m'lady..." She said, loud enough for the guard to hear and then left.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon Swordbearer

The guardsmen locked him away in one of the rooms on the second floor and told him to keep quiet. Once inside Ganelon quickly checked the doors, wardrobes and windows and seeing that there was no escape from this room he unbuckled his belts and generally made himself more comfortable than anyone else would in his situaiton. He lay on the bed with his hands behind his head and pondered the fact that Zelgadiss was a magician. No Swordbearer had ever had the power of the Gift. It ran in the blood and it was a rule, all Swordbearers were even discouraged from pursuing the way of magic as it would always end in a disaster. Perhaps this guy wasn't Zelgadiss at all... Ganelon remembered his uncle only vaguely from his childhood. Or perhaps he managed to break the curse in their family... Either way Ganelon had to use it to his advantage and never let him know that with the sword in hand he was immune to charms and magicks.

A ruckus and shouts outside the door drew his attention to the raised voices and soon the door opened and a serving girl carrying pillows and sheets entered, glaring at the guard who let her in.

"My master wants me to change the bed so if you would kindly move..." she almost pushed him off the bed and began making it with quick, professional gestures.

Not speaking a word more she left swaying her generous hips. Ganelon chuckled and lay down again looking at the ceiling. Soomething rustled under the pillow and he sat up and reached to pick up a small piece of paper with one single sentence: drop a string down from your window at midnight.

 

[Guest]

As afternoon turned into evening, Ash was fed and bathed, having Milly braid her hair and help her into her night clothes. They spoke softly, not wanting to catch the entention of the guard where Milly had told her of the note she had slipped Ganelon.

Ash hugged her maid, feeling excited and happy to have Ganelon so near, but wanting and aching to see him and hold him. "So what do we do?"

"Why don't you write him a note or give him something that would let him know you are here."

They both looked around a moment, "Ah...one problem, I have nothing of my own here and no parchment to write on." Silently they sat thinking a moment, when Ash finally had an idea.

"Cut my hair."

Milly looked surprised and Ash laughed, "I don't want it all off, just enough to make a small braid that you can send up to him. He'll know it's mine...please Milly."

The maid relented and by the light of a candle, she carefully cut away at Ash's hair until she had a fair amount of braid which she wrapped in cloth and tied up, ready to be taken to Ganelon.

Ash lay back on her bed and sighed, "Tell me what he says or does Milly...now...I am tired. Please hurry...bring me word."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

The rest of the day and half of the night were a terrible torment for him. He read the short note a thousand times, he even read it backwards, upside down and in the mirror, looking for any hidden messages but finding none save for the obvious one. So he paced up and down the room, tried to nap but got up quickly fearing he might oversleep the appointed hour. He blew all lights at 10 so as not to alert the guards and quietly opened the window. From his travelling sack he took a spool of durable string and unwound as much as to reach the garden below. He tied it to his finger and waited impatiently for the time to come. A few times he heard the guards talk and joke outside but they made no attempts to enter or disturb him.

And then the strong pull came that almost made his heart jump out from his chest and making himself do it slowly he pulled the string until a small cloth bundle was in his hand. He unwrapped it and by the light of the moon found a piece of black braid, this only one beloved braid in the world, the characteristic weave that Ash wore. She was here, somewhere close! His heart beat fast and he wanted to shout in joy but kept quiet and checked his reverie. He took the note the maid left his earlier and cutting his pinkie with his dagger he quickly wrote: Ash, I'm in Zelgadiss's manor. I will escape as soon as possible and try to find you. I love you, baby. G. Then he wrapped the paper around the dagger and tied it to the string and lowered it outside. A pull assured him that the package was found and he quickly gathered the string and closed the window.

With the piece of Ash's braid tightly grasped in his fist he curled on the bed and fell asleep lighter than before and full of hope.

 

[Guest]

When Milly returned that night with Ganelon's note and woke Ash up, it took everything in her not to cry out with joy, but then it puzzled her also. She read it over, touching the paper with trembling fingers.

Ash, I'm in Zelgadiss's manor. I will escape as soon as possible and try to find you. I love you, baby. G.

How was he is Zelgadiss's manor if she had gotten this note and he was here? A gasp of shock escaped her lips. Ganelon was being lied to by his own uncle! Zelgadiss was Garlock. She had to warn him!! But how...the guards wold be suspiscious if Milly left again.

Clasping the paper to her chest, she sighed heavily and closed her weary eyes. The last thing on her mind was Ganelon and being able to hold him again...losing herself in his presence.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Ganelon slept on his bed fully dressed; so happy that Ash was somewhere close by and knew he were around too that he forgot to undress. Now he was lying on his back, his shirt partially open with the necklace of Tamarion sparkling its own inner light in the darkness, his legs entangled in the sheets and hair rumpled. A film of sweat covered his skin and he tossed his body muttering Ash's name in his sleep and squeezing the piece of her braid in his hand stronger.

Ganelon woke up in the morning with a strong resolution to get the hell out of the mansion and seek ot Ash even if he had to raze Tylen or burn it to the grounds. Getting up he washed his face and changed his rumpled clothes to something fresher and put the bundle with Ash's braid close to his breast. Dressed and armed he pressed the door handle but couldn't open as the door was locked. He hammered on the wood with his fist and shouted, "Open up!"

He heard some shifting and whispering without as the guards wondered what to do. He hoped they weren't told to keep him inside like a prisoner.

"Um, you aren't allowed to go out, young master!" one of them called from the other side.

Oh, sweet Lady Luck smiles... they posted fools outside the door.

"Look there, my good men, I intend to go for a walk if you let me out or not. But I'd rather you didn't stand in my way or I would have to kill you. So open the door and we will forget about this little situation."

"Err, Master Zelgadiss told us to keep watch at your door!"

"Did he say anything about not letting me out?"

"Errm, no... not really..."

"So, you two can let me go and keep true to the order, right?"

"Uh, I guess..."

"So, open the door and we'll be done with this."

A minute later the lock rattled and the door swung open. Nodding to the guards Ganelon exited to the corridor and making sure no one saw him he made his way outside.

 

[Guest]

The following morning, Ash prayed that Garlock would let her out again, but she had a feeling that it wouldn't be the case. Not if Ganelon was about and especially if he wasn't kept prisoner. She bathed again, washing away the sweat of the night and having Milly re-braid her hair after slipping on one of the fine silk dresses Garlock provided her. This one was large, sinched under her breasts to make room for her growing belly.

She caressed the growing mound loving and sighed, "Do you think Ganelon will be able to find me, Milly? I don't want him getting hurt...perhaps we should try getting word to him again."

Milly gave her a sympathetic look, "I don't know how I would miss...not right now when it is light and everyone will see. Don't fear so much...your young man will come for you."

Ash nodded and sat down by the fireplace and closed her eyes, relaxing her tense body and muscles...willing herself to just have faith in Ganelon. He would come for her soon...this nightmare would end.

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Unnoticed by anyone Ganelon sneaked out of the mansion and found himself in the yard. Hugging the wall he moved towards the corner and peeked around. Not seeing any guards he entered the garden and found himself at the entrance to the shrubbery maze. It seemed it was the only way towards the back side of the house so he reluctantly entered the narrow green corridor and quite soon became completely lost in the winding paths. All alleys and turns looked exactly the same to him and no matter what rule of maze passing he applied he semed to be walking in circles. After what seemed like an eternity of walking this way and that and cursing under his nose he reached something that could very well be the centre of this hellish maze.

There was an ivory fountain standing in the centre of a small round glade surrounded by oaks. On a stone bench by the fountain was sitting an old, wrinkled woman who apparently was reading a book. He approached her warily, his hands ready to draw sword is she turned out to be some kind of crazy enchantment. Ganelon thought that this place was magical for it was impossible to get lost so easily and besides everything around him seemed so timeless. As he came closer and cast a shadow the woman raised her head and squinted, trying to focus on his face.

"M-M-Mebbeth!?" Ganelon stammered, recognising the familiar, wrinkled face of the strange midwife. "No, you're not... but you look just like her..."

"Bah, boy! You sure took your precious time to get here! Ach, why do you people always have to be so clueless about your abilities! My name is Lachesia, I'm Mebbeth's twin sister. Well, let's go, we should leave this place and see if we can't by any chance get some cookies from the kitchen."

This said, Lachesia snapped her fingers and the whole surroundings shimmered, waved and vanished. They were standing in a circular part of the garden, surrounded by colourful flower-beds.

"Well, come on, boy. We don't have the whole day. We need to find your lady love before sundown if there is to be a tomorrow!"

 

[Guest]

As Milly left her mistress, Ash sat in silence, regarding the fire that burned warm and bright before her. She drew her strength from it again and without even realizing it, she began to weave threads of life around her. It was purely unconscious and innocent enough as she rubbed her belly with one hand and let her free hand gently way back and forth.

It felt good to use magic, but not for harm. It was warm and soothing and life bringing. Even as she felt her baby grow, she patted her belly and whispered reasuring words that his daddy would rescue them soon.

She could almost feel his presence as she rocked back in her chair and hummed softly. But the peace was soon to be shattered as Garlock burst through the door of her room. He looked angry, startling her so that she gasped and just about jumped out of her skin.

His glaring eyes sent accusing looks her way. "If you are well enough to weave my dear, then you are well enough to come with me!" He announced before grabbing her arm and dragging her upright...

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Lachesia led him back inside through the kitchen door into a large and roomy kitchen where pans and pots hung and lay on tables and tops, delicious smells sailed through the air and curiously enough all the cooks, helpers, maids and manservants stood completely still, most of the frozen in poses so crazy and impossible that it seemed they should be falling down any moment now. And yet they retained their vertical stances... it seemed as if time had frozen still for all of them. Lachesia slapped Ganelon's back and prodded him to enter a little farther and moved towards the tray with various cookies laid out. She picked a handful and handed Ganelon a few and motioned him to follow her deeper into the house.

"Hey! Why are you leading me back inside!? Ash is somewhere out there in Garlock's clutches! I cannot be dilly-dallying in here while he's doing Gods know what to her!" he protested.

"Ah yes, that's true. Garlock is leading her away as we speak. He must have noticed your disappearance by now and is desperate to hurry his plans up, boy. I'm afraid we have even less time that we three had been initially prognosing. Good thing that without you he can't really do anything but tapping into Ash's powers will make him too powerful and he'll be able to find you anyway."

"You speak as if he were the one who imprisoned me. But this is my uncle's mansion and he is the ruler here," Ganelon questioned Lachesia's reasoning as he was following her through the maze of corridors. "And what's that about my person you were saying?"

"Poor, ignorant boy. You know nothing, do you? Maybe it's for the better..." the old woman mused, walking briskly. "On the other hand there's no harm in your knowing. Of course you know that your beloved Ash is a ta'veren, a chosen of the Fates..."

"Fates!? I thought there was only one Fate!"

"Oh pish! Let your elders do the talking! You think one poor, single Fate would be capable of sorting out all this mess of the whole world? Not, there's three of us and we've a group of helpers, the ta'veren..."

"Y-y-y-you're a Fa-fa-fa-fa-fate!? One of the three!? Then Mebbeth..."

"I thought I told you not to interrupt me, hmmm?" Lechesia scolded him as she pulled on a torch and a piece of the wall next to the dungeon door slid open, revealing a secret passage. "Well then, we have the ta'veren to help the three of us, yes? But they are just human, all of them and they are as frail as any next person... although they have a little bit of luck and all that. Khm, to make the long story short we have also decided to make helpers for the ta'veren, the rian'tel, the one's that draw all the mishaps and bad luck to them so that it doesn't happen to our precious ta'veren."

"So what you are saying is that some people have to suffer additional pain and misery only so that a ta'veren or two could lead a carefree life? Are you trying to tell me that a husband of an impoverished family breaks his leg and cannot provide for his loved ones because a bloody ta'veren was about to sneeze? An orphan boy has to watch his girlfriend, barely seventeen years of age, getting run over by a loaded wagon so that your ta'veren didn't drown? Is that how this world is arranged?" Ganelon questioned the cruel Fate.

"That's exactly right, nephew!" A voice called from within the room they were... he were entering... it seemed that Lachesia had disappeared.

He saw Zelgadiss, a triumphant smile on his lips and next to him... Ash!

 

[Guest]

Ash struggled, only to feel sick all over again as Garlock dragged her. She dug her heals down, but he was stronger. "Stop!! NO! I WON'T GO WITH YOU!" She cried out in fear and rage, but there was no stopping him. Grabbing her thick waist, he pulled her to him and lead her away. His grin evil as he spoke to her. "Ah but my dear, you have a visitor."

Ash paled and gasped, "No no...please, don't harm him. Please, just let him go."

Garlock laughed and shook his head, "No my dear, but I advise you to hold your tongue or I'll have to cut it out. No hush!" He threatened, his hold on her tightening painfully that she bit her lips to stop from whimpering.

He lead her down a different hall this time and Ash frantically tried to think of a way of warning Ganelon - tell him. As they neared their destination, voices could be heard and Ash instantly knew it was Ganelon. She heard him loud and clear as they hid in the shadows and listened.

"So what you are saying is that some people have to suffer additional pain and misery only so that a ta'veren or two could lead a carefree life? Are you trying to tell me that a husband of an impoverished family breaks his leg and cannot provide for his loved ones because a bloody ta'veren was about to sneeze? An orphan boy has to watch his girlfriend, barely seventeen years of age, getting run over by a loaded wagon so that your ta'veren didn't drown? Is that how this world is arranged?"

She audibly gasped this time and tried to pull away as Garlock dragged her into the light to face Ganelon.

"That's exactly right, nephew!" Garlocks voice boomed through the room and Ash felt helpless as she met Ganelon's surprised eyes.

Her heart seemed to beat a millions beats per second as their gazes lock and a rush of warm washed over her. He was here, he was alive. She wanted to weep, but only silent tears trickled down her cheeks. She tried to speak, but no words would come out as her mouth opened and closed a few times in attempt and Garlock laughed cruelly. "Reunited again...You and your Ash. She is quite a hot one." He said with a leering grin, but he also meant it in the true sense of the word. Ash was like fire when she was angry and Ganelon had experienced such fire that turned a woman into dust with his own feelings.

Ash slipped her arms protectively around her growing belly, almost craddling it as she felt Ganelon's gaze suddenly shift and run over her body...

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

He stood pretty much dumbfounded. What was this place so deep under the mansion? And most of all what was Ash doing here? And why was she held captive by his uncle? He watched her closer and noticed she looked different, tired, thinner but her belly was strangely rounded as if she were pregnant. He brought his right hand up and counted off on fingers... Nope, in no way could he arrive at 9 so it must have been something different.

Raising his eyes he assessed the situation. Clearly Zelgadiss was holding her captive but how was that possible when she had been snatched away by Garlock?

"Ash, sweetheart, what are you doing here? What's all this about? What are you doing with my uncle?"

 

[Guest]

Ash was fighting growing emotions. She wanted so badly to just run to him and wind her arms around his body for protection, but Garlock wasn't letting god.

Half a sob finally ripped through, almost choaked her as she blinked back tears. "Zelgadiss IS Garlcok, Ganelon!" She finally cried out, almost in agony as his grip tightened around her.

"Please..." She whimpered, feeling her legs give way and sagging against Garlock's side, "Please, just let him go. You have me, just let him go." She pleaded, but he only laughed and halled her up against his side.

"Now now my dear, we musn't seperate you two again...you are meant for one another, are you not?" Garlock grinned, flashing impossibly white teeth, "You have arrived just in time, my nephew."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Zelgadiss is Garlock? How could that be? He looked at his uncle who was dressed all in black and gave off a sinister aura around him. Moreover, he could remember Zelgadiss's use of magic on him. He felt anger starting to boil inside him. So he went for help to the very man whom they had been trying to avoid for so long? They had played right into his hands! Truly, the Fates had woven a cruel thread.

"Bastard! So you're the one responsible for all this she's suffered! I'm going to kill you!" Ganelon shouted and drew his swords, beginning a terrible sprint, his blades swirling around him in a deadly fan of steel. He was ready to carve Zelgadiss into little pieces for all his travesties.

He covered half the distance when Zelgadiss laughed. "Oh, what urge to kill! How commendable! But I cannot die yet! Stop!"

Ganelon felt the power of that command dispelled by his sword and slowed down in spite of himself. Ash was too close, he might hurt her by accident if his uncle made a sudden move.

"That's a good boy! You see, dear nephew, I still need to unlock your girl's full potential. She just wouldn't give in to my tratments, opposing me on each step, impeding my work. But now that you're here I think I can finally achieve the ultimate goal. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my master," Ganelon mumbled with no enthusiasm at all trying to pretend he was under whatever spell Zelgadiss might have cast on him.

"Excellent, that's a good pet. If you show such obedience I might even make you my first lieutenant when I set out to conquer this pitiful world. Now, KILL HER!"

 

[Guest]

Ash gasped in horror and shook her head frantically. "NOOOO! Please...no, Ganelon do not listen to him! For our baby! Please!" She cried out, suddenly forcing herself up to her full height and clasping her belly. He tried pulling away from Garlock, but his grip was too strong and she was too weak.

"Damn you, let go!!" She yanked, jerking her body away and gritting her teeth. Angry and emotional, emotions burst forth. "Don't you see, you stupid fool! Ganelon is the key!"

No sooner had she uttered those words, did she regret it. With a startled gasp, she paled all over again at Garlock's leering knowing look, "Now now...that's an interesting bit of information..."

 

[Poganin]

Ganelon

Again Ganelon felt his sword vibrate and he jerked a bit, pretending to struggle against the uttered command but slowly turning towards Ash and stepping forward. He wasn't looking at her or Zelgadiss, giving his eyes a vacant stare, but he observed both carefully: his uncle so sure of himself and his love panicked and in terror. He was so sorry to be playing this nasty charade but he had to make sure that if it came to showdown she wouldn't be in the way.

He only half heard and understood the exchange between them, concentrating on keeping his facade up, not betraying himself while his will was his own and not under the warlock's control. He raised his head a little and looked Ash in the eyes, his heart almost collapsing as he saw the despair and sadness in her. Slowly he paced closer to her and raised both his swords as if to attack her. He wasn't really sure what outcome had his uncle predicted so he didn't know what to do and decided to improvise.

Ganelon trailed the points of his swords up Ash's thighs, following the rounded curve of her hips and stepping closer, pinning her to the pillar behind her, the blades preventing her escape to the sides. He saw her pleading look and grit his teeth as he neared his face to sniff around her like an animal. He watched her face with a longing look in his eyes but his featured betrayed no feelings. He smelled at her neck and cheeks and as he was very close to her he nudged her nose with his so lightly and blinked once.

Then he backed and raised his swords for attack.

"No, stop..." Zelgadiss interrupted. "It's interesting what she said!"