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"Krolaun!" my voice tore agonizingly from my throat as despair flooded my soul.What have I done?
I let an anguished cry escape my lips as I became increasingly more blinded by my own tears. Oh gods, oh Bast, please help me.
Deep within me, some part of me was crumbling to dust. I could feel it. Some huge portion of my soul fell away revealing a large and very empty void. That void threatened to overwhelm me, to consume everything that was me. As I fell to my knees before the white oak, I let the tears flow. I drew the Dagger of Mystics from its sheath at my hip; the blade gleaming by the light of the moon above. I studied the edge of the blade, so fine, so honed--
I impaled the blade in the fresh earth between the roots of the tree. My fingertips gently traced down the blade; from the elaborate pommel, across the filigree hilt, down the flat of the silver steel. I closed my eyes, the coolness of the metal, strangely, bringing me some small bit of comfort.
Power of Earth, I call.
The Power surged up, using my Dagger as a focus. It flitted across the dagger's edge, dancing along every ornate turn. I watched, the mage-light glowing off my features, as I took the delicate diamond bracelet from my wrist. This particular piece of jewelry had been a gift from Krolaun. I took it, looping it over the hilt of the Dagger. Silently, I bade the magic, calling it forth to do as I commanded.
Find the One who gave me This. Use what you can from me and my soul to fuel your search. Find him and show me the way!
The Power flared up and away, but almost instantly a Gate flared open near me. A pegasus came thundering up, briefly I recognized it as Ylena's personal mount. Silently, I blessed my sister as I leapt into the saddle. I looked at the blue-white Gate, and did not dare hesitate. My mount and I plunged headlong into the Gate, the strange sensation of falling hitting us both.
* * * The Gate opened and we erupted out into the night air. The pegasus opened his wings with a mighty clap. Ahead, I could make out the silhouette of Krol and his steed. I saw him glance back, his eyes a strange, glowing blue. He spurred his mount faster, and I followed suit. When next he glanced back again, he shook his head, and sent his steed plummeting to the ground in a powerdive.
He dispelled his mount at the last second, leaping from it's back to tumble and land, surefooted, upon the ground. He looked up and crossed his arms, as if waiting to see what I would do.
I, too, sent my pegasus plunging towards the earth, and it fell valiantly. As we neared the ground, I sent him back to my sister, and he vanished from beneath me. I fell, feet first, towards the ground, and landed, cat-like. I raised my eyes to look at him and was taken aback by those glowing blue eyes. I could not falter though.
"How dare you leave without me," I managed.
"Go back, Katja. I don't need you here."
"Krol," I pleaded, looking at him in entreaty, "Krol. . .I--I didn't mean what I said. . .back there."
He turned away, "It doesn't matter."
As he turned, my heart gave a painful twist, "Krolaun!" I cried, my voice cracking in my misery, "Don't you turn away from me!"
He turned, those eyes still blazing, "Why?"
"Just, please--don't leave."
He sighed, pulling a book from his cloak, "Kat, this book could spell the end of this for us," he handed the book to me, "Just don't read the first few sections."
I opened it, scanning a few of the last pages, "Some Priest's journal?"
He nodded, "But not just any Priest, and that is why I must go."
He held a hand out to get the book. I held fast to it, looking quietly at him. Those glowing eyes pleaded with me, "Please, Kat."
I bowed my head and stepped forward, pressing the book into his hands. I continued forward, much to his surprise, wrapping my arms around him. Gently, I pressed my cheek to his shoulder, "I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."
His handsome features softened and his eyes reverted to that familiar shade of grey I so adored, "Oh, Kat. . ."
I felt his hand upon my hair as he embraced me in return. As he did so, I felt a great weight fall from my shoulders.
"Krol," I murmured, "I'm sorry--I'm so very sorry."
"Shh," he replied, "It's all right."
As we stood there, he sighed softly, "Well, we aren't going to go any further tonight."
I nodded, "We might as well just camp out here."
So that we did. We spread out our bedrolls by the light of the moon. We bade one another good night and curled up to catch some sleep. As the night silence settled around us, I stared up into the depths of the sky.
One more try, I thanked whatever gods were listening, I have one more try.
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© 1999 E. Angeli Mansfield