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Description
Ch II Lady in Flight

       Dreams, windows into the soul. They have always told people what they are too busy to hear when awake. Messages concealed within bizarre visions, though many people are far too ignorant to learn what the dream had told them. Poor are the ones who do not listen to what their own soul is telling them inside their restful nights.
One lone figure had been looking into its own dreams for answers. Desperate for the answers it could not find elsewhere, until recently when he found what could be that which contains the answers it searches for. But away this blessing ran, like most. So again the figure searches for what it cannot reach, into the dreams it ventures to learn what it is it must do. But in the unknown, what he will find naught but doom…

        Merrick opened the door to his house and entered. What had happened to him today? Now he would have to convince her he wasn’t convince the girl he wasn’t insane, not to run at the sight of him. Would she run again if he went up to her? She probably would.
He threw his backpack down as he entered the kitchen. He would have to apologize to Drake too, for getting mad, at least. He would prove Drake wrong somehow; all he had to do was get the girl to talk to him. It all went back to her. Pathetic moron, chasing her off like that, didn’t even get her name.
He looked around the kitchen for what his mom had left out for him. Searching a few minutes he found cold chicken in the sink next to the microwave. As he was putting the chicken into the microwave he saw a note. Sighing he picked it up:

                 Merrick,

                 I left you some chicken to heat up. I will be getting in late   so don’t expect me in until about eleven. Sorry I can’t be there earlier  but I have too much work.

Love,
     Mom

       Typical. She’s ‘working late’ again. He knew what she was really doing; she was going to go out with that guy. What was his name? Oh yeah, Sean, that was it. She thought he didn’t know, but she doesn’t try to be all that secretive about it. Taking his chicken from the microwave he headed upstairs to his room.
Falling back onto his bed he picked up his remote and turned on his television. He ate quietly for a few minutes before starting to feel a little sleepy. Great, that’s just what I need, another trip to dreamland. Well I’m not going to fall asleep right now. Sighing he put down his plate and got up from his bed. All I have do to is keep myself busy with…with…with something.
What that something was, that was easily decided for him. Maybe this time he would remember something more from the dream. Maybe this time it wouldn’t all be a haze. He took the dirty dishes to the kitchen sink and went back to his room. He closed the blinds on his window and turned off his light. Once he was on his bed sleep overcame quickly.

       –He walked down the castle corridor looking for his goal. The moon shone through the windows, making it fairly simple to see down into the circular courtyard to see if anyone else was approaching Lady Hiat’s chamber. This had to be done without anyone seeing him; if one did see him then he would have to repeat the horrifying act.
          Seeing his goal down at the end of the corridor his heart started to race. After months of preparation, of making sure he was the only one who would know the truth of what would occur tonight. After so much, their plan was finally coming into fruition, it would finally end today. All the pain, all the suffering the people had been put through would finally end.
         The large golden door loomed over him. The red and black dragons stared at him as if they knew what he meant to do in the room they guarded. Merrick pushed the heavy door open and surreptitiously entered. Lady Hiat’s oversized bed lay on the other side of the large room, an excellent spot for her ending moments. She had always been one to enjoy the comforts her bed provided, and those she could lead into it, far too often.
         It was time to live up to his given name. It was Hiat who had first told him of his ‘Title’ and what it meant. All those years ago, when he was just an optimistic and idiotic child, before he learned to embrace what he had become. She had enlightened him on the grace of the great Lord Chaos. That was before the great Lord Chaos himself had come and trained Merrick in the Secret Arts. Before Merrick saw Hiat for what she really was; a lustful, greedy, hateful woman. Before Lord Chaos came he couldn’t see how disgustingly she treated her own people. Now it was time to put it to an end, he was Death’s Blade and he would strike down anyone who are unlucky enough to have Death’s Gaze stare at them through the shadows.
        Merrick slid Piurtain from his scabbard; its hiss resonated throughout the room. His feet slowly crossed the floor, his breath quickened with every step, eyes widened with anticipation. He stood over her bed as he gazed at Hiat’s sleeping body. Her auburn hair laid strewn over her sheets, her nakedness visible through the thin sheets. She was still as beautiful as when he first laid his eyes on her fair-skinned face.
       Raising Piurtain over his head, he began to quietly sing The Lament’s Melody. A fitting tune. His voice, no more than a small whisper, sounded like a roar to his ears. With no more thoughts of his past with this woman, he thrust his blade down. Hiat’s body jerked against the blade, blood sprayed out of the wound, coating Merrick from the waist up with a scarlet cover. He had hit his mark. He kept the blade in place until the body’s twitching subsided. It was finally over. She never woke from her sleep; she died in the comfort of sleep. The people would be able to rest easy now.
        A smile touched his lips, laughter broke through his singing, and his eyes shone bright with a sense of accomplishment. She was finally dead. The laughter grew until he gave up the melancholy song, and just laughed and laughed. His maniacal laughter was amplified by the echoes.

      Three months had passed since Lady Hiat’s death. Rain fell from the sky, drenching Liana’s clothes. Three months, and still no leads were found to discover who had committed the murder, she reprimanded herself for the failure. If she had been half the leader Lady Hiat was the murderer would have been caught by now. Now, she walked the streets of the town, alone and empty. The people often celebrated the Lady’s demise inside during this type of weather; she could not understand how they could be so cruel. The Lady was a great gentle woman; she was as if always kind to her people, yet here they were acting as she was some terrible beast.
      Merrick walked a few steps ahead of her, ready to protect her from anything that might cause harm to her. That was something she was always grateful for; he had stayed by her side since The Lady’s murder. Though the Lady’s death had its effects on him as well as everyone else, he was no longer the strange insecure boy he had been when the Lady appointed him as her personal guard. Now he was a strong determined man, having failed to save the Lady, he had trained and trained to protect Liana from anything that might bring any sort of harm to her. Liana knew that she would be thankful for his dedication for the longest time to come.
     Up ahead the Arconic Chapel came into view, Liana let out a long sigh. She knew she would arrive there safely, but she couldn’t help but feel uneasy being out in the open. She had been far too paranoid of danger, she knew that too. But after what had happened to Lady Hiat, who could judge her.
     “Lady Liana!”
     Liana turned as Jesca came running up to the two of them, her long intricate braid blowing behind her while the rain battered her pale skin.
     “Lady Liana, the Lord of Domlyon has sent word. He wishes for an audience with you.”
     Liana thought for only a moment, “Tell him that I am busy at the moment and I will see to him when I find I have time free for such things.”
     “Excuse me Lady Liana, but considering recent events I am not sure that is the best thing for you to…”
     “I will not let that man play his little games with me,” Liana’s voice was cold and detached, “you will do as I say and deliver my message to that pathetic snake of a man.”
     Merrick had stopped ahead, listening to what the two were saying, without turning around. Even though his face showed nothing behind the rain, he seemed to be nervous about something. Liana chose not to worry about it now; she had bigger worries at the moment. The last she had heard of the Domlyian Lord, he had threatened Lady Hiat, he was the most likely suspect they had come up with in the investigation. Though without proof they couldn’t make a move against him. Why would he suddenly ask for an audience? She thought he was the kind of man who would ‘kick a man while he was down’, as Merrick would put it. He must be trying to weasel his way into my good grace, so later he could betray me with ease.
      Jesca, looking annoyed, merely saluted and walked away, Liana stared at her as Jesca went to fulfill the order. Most of her guards would have obeyed her command with no questions asked. She hated that, having people do what she wanted, when she wanted. It gave her far too much power over their fate; she hated what the Lady had left to her. She was grateful for Jesca and Merrick they would never allow themselves to be put in such a pitiful state of servitude. She turned back towards Merrick, seeing that he had started moving forward again without a word, and followed him quietly.
     The end of the walk was as quiet as it had started, Merrick still not saying a word. The large mahogany lions carved on the doors of the chapel stared at her with their hate filled eyes. Merrick standing by the left door as composed as ever, though she knew he did not want to be here of all places. Into the silent cold church she walked, Merrick trailing. Right now she did not need rest in the comfort of her bed, even though it was what she was craving; the warm embrace of The Mother was what she needed.
     Candles lit the path to the circular dais, statues of angelic beings stared down at her with empty stone eyes behind the metallic stands. She looked up at the magnificent sculpture that was the statue resembling The Great Mother; she knelt down and began her prayer.
     The Statue’s long flowing hair covered her perfect body, arms stretched out to embrace any lost and wandering soul. Her emerald stone eyes contradicted the lions being filled warmth and love. With such loving eyes looking down at her prayer came easily. With all that has happened these past few weeks, there was nothing else to pray for. Peace, that was what she needed most, in her heart, mind, and in her land. Eyes shut she pored out her heart and soul in hope that The Mother would answer her plea.
    The calm silence of the church was gone as soon as she closed her eyes, a small sound started to fill the room. She easily ignored the sound and continued her prayer, the sound only increased in volume. A small hissing sound vibrated through the empty chapel, but still she continued her prayer. Until another sound soon joined the first, an annoyingly loud rhythmic metallic pounding. This sound was far harder to ignore. Frustrated, she quickly rose and turned to find the source of the sound.
      She found it quickly enough, making her far angrier. Merrick was dragging his sword along the concrete floor, pacing back and forth, hitting the candle stands with the scabbard The Lady had gifted to him.
     “Merrick, stop that at once.” She said in a voice strained with contained anger. Still he continued, eyes staring at nothing, face blank of any emotion. “Merrick, if you do not stop that this instant I will…”
     “Stop me yourself?” His voice was filled with laughter he struggled to keep back. “Is it really worth losing your dignity for such a worthless cause? Praying to a woman who only exists in peoples’ imaginations. How pathetic is it to put your trust in a woman who can grant you nothing.”
     Liana merely stood, shock kept her from doing anything else, as Merrick went on calling the great Mother a figment of people’s imaginations. Anger slowly crept into his voice “The only person who can give you what you need is yourself; no one else can do anything for you. So you shouldn’t even bother with your worthless prayers.”
     Liana’s shock was soon replaced with overwhelming anger, “How dare you? You pathetic piece of scum, after everything The Mother has granted you, the gifts she has given you, the fantastic life with Lady Hiat you have had.” She paused to take a deep breath to calm herself, as tears started to run down her face “After the time we spent together. You would…just… abandon it all…for your own…selfish needs.”
      Merrick’s laughter grew, “And what, my dear Lady, has The Great and Humble Mother giving me, huh?  She threw me into this world, destroyed my own, she robbed me of everything that was once mine and left me to wander alone for years, finally leading me to a witch, and her pitiful apprentice, who I am forced to protect.” Anger replaced the laughter in his voice. “And still I am as alone and as pathetic as when I first came here. Does any of this sound like something a ‘generous goddess’ would do?
     He paused as if waiting for her answer, but when he saw that he was not going to receive one he continued, angrier then before. “NO, IT’S NOT. So, then why is she making my life a living hell?” Again he paused, but almost immediately started up again. “She isn’t because SHE…DOES…NOT…EXIST. There is no greater being controlling our lives, it’s just us making our lives what they are. For years I’ve wasted my life, I’ve hoped and prayed that what I am telling you is wrong, but the truth is it is not.”
     He picked up the sword off the ground, placed it back in its sheath, and held it out to her. “I am truly sorry for the things I have put you through these passed few months.”
     His final words echoed as he disappeared before her very eyes, fading away as if he were made of mist. A small smile touched his lips and a single tear rolled down his face before he vanished completely. A loud ringing could be heard through out the entire chapel as the swords landed on the stone floor.
     Liana stood, rooted to the spot, staring at the sword Merrick had left behind. Once, not long ago, he treated that sword like it was the world itself, now he just threw it away like it was nothing. What had happened to him? Why would he do something so horrible, disgracing the memory of the beloved Lady Hiat?
Now he was gone, just like the Lady, this terrible realization crept over her. She was now more alone then ever, Merrick was the only true friend she had in such a long time. All she had left was her servants. It was far too disgraceful for someone in her station to become friends with a mere servant…
      Scared, she was so scared. Without another moment to spare, she ran, picking up the sword without so much at a glance at it out into the rain.
The streets were no longer empty. Despite the pouring rain the streets were filled; hundreds of people were running and dancing in the wet streets. Trying to ignore the people’s bizarre behavior, she continued to run through the throng of wet people. Musicians under canvas tents played cheerful music, laughing with all the rest, no one seemed to notice her at all.
     Why is everyone out on a night like this? She thought. Small children ran along side her, thinking she was part of whatever was going on, laughing and pointing at the sword. They started to yell something at her. She could only guess it was going to be about the sword she carried, because they were interrupted when the loud explosions started up. She expected people to start running at this sudden interruption or at least stop what ever it was they were doing, but people just started to applaud the explosions. Why are these people here? What in the world is going on over there?
      Curiosity got the better of her; she changed her destination from the Palace to where the explosions were emanating from. People continued the cheer and dance as the noise of the explosion grew to resemble thunder. Louder and louder it grew, faster and faster she ran. There was no time to call the guards if they were not there already, she would have to deal with this on her own.
     After a moment she realized where she was running off to, The Square. The center of the city where a statue of the late Lady Hiat stood as a monument to her greatness. It had been standing over The Square for twenty-five years, what could be going on there?
     She received her answer soon enough, coming to a stop at The Square she saw far more people cheering as cloaked figures raised their palms. It was easy to tell one was a woman and the other a man, the woman was slim, short, and one could clearly see her shape under the cloak. The man was far taller then the woman and far muscular, each stood facing the Lady’s statue, side by side their shoulders rose and fell from heavy breathing. Liana gasped as a bud of fire appeared in their hands. The slim darkened hand of the cloaked woman produced a green flame and the muscular pale hand a black flame. The cheering grew even louder at the sight of this strange scene. The flames continued to grow under the pouring rain until they threatened to consume their entire hands.
      Liana could not understand what was happening; everything was so strange she could not make any sense of it. She stood watching as the rain fell, waiting for something  to happen. She knew she had to stop whatever was causing the explosions, but could not see what could be causing the noises. The two cloaked figures stood for only a minute more before, in one swift and harmonized motion, they brought their arms down and thrust them back and forward, launching the two balls of fire towards the statue.
      Liana’s screams of terror were drowned out by the people’s screams of joy. As the fire hit the base of the statue with a deafening explosion, so loud that Liana covered her ears to try to block out at least some of the sound, the base shattered. The statue came crashing down, towards the cheering people. Liana screamed even louder as the people merely stood cheering watching the statue fall. Knowing she could do nothing there, she ran.
      She managed to keep her eyes forward as the sound of the statue crushing anything under it reached her ears. People kept on cheering. Tears streamed down Liana’s face as she looked around at the faces she passed. All these people were clearly mad to even be out on a night like this, but to be cheering the death of all those people…
     She could not imagine why anyone would be so cruel. These were her people, her countrymen, and she did not want anything to do with them after what she had just witnessed. Sword held tightly to her chest, she continued to run from the scene, from the people, from Merrick, from everything.
     Titles, nobles, servants, responsibility, she needed to escape from it all. To run from everything would be more wonderful then anything any noble could offer her, but she could not just leave her people in the state they were in. Could She? Of course not! Why was she even thinking such things? I should not even be thinking about things. I am far too young to be running a realm. I should be…
      A man yelled, a horse whinnied, thunder roared, and lightning struck. It all happened far too fast. Flames exploded into her eyes, blinding light appeared, and the world went dark. Her mind became unsettled; she no longer knew where she was, nothing made sense to her anymore. Distant screams followed the man and horse, piercing screams almost drowned out the thunderous sound of the crashing carriage. Confused, she fell to the ground. What happened? Why can I not see anything? The feel of the pouring rain felt like a distant dream, like it was happening to someone else.
     Voices reached her ears through all the turmoil, “Mama, come quick! Someone fell out of that carriage, she needs our help bad.”
The voice came from somewhere far above her, a new voice came from far off ahead. “Oh, let The Mother be praised she is alive. Bring her inside the house, and be quick about it.”
     Too weak and confused to do anything, she allowed her body to be pulled up, supported by whoever the first voice belonged to; she allowed her feet to be dragged through the mud. Consciousness started to fade; the distant rain stopped falling on that far-off person. She could still hear the sound of rain hitting wood in the distance. Giving up, she closed her eyes and let sleep’s loving embrace take her away.

The feel of the bed felt nice against her skin, the blanket’s silken texture relaxed her far more then her old rough blanket. Slowly, she opened her eyes, fully prepared to let the light show Liana her bedroom. Though the moment she opened her eyes, she knew something was wrong: nothing came into her line of sight. Only darkness filled her vision. Driven by sudden fear, she jumped from the comfort of the bed.Where am I? What happened to me? “WHAT HAPPPENED TO ME!”
       “Oh Mother help me. You should not be out of bed in your condition.” Liana jumped and let out a small yell at the sudden appearance of the woman’s high and somewhat aged voice, which seemed to be a little frightened. “Especially without any clothes on, imagine if my son came in instead of me.”
      Liana, trying to cover herself with her hands, let out another louder yell at the thought of being completely naked in a stranger’s house.
      “Who… are you?” Her voice was small and considerably weaker then her screaming. “Where… am… I? How did…How did I…get here? WHY CAN I NOT SEE ANYTHING?”
      “You are safe here on our farm.” The voice became less frightened and took on a motherly tone. “You have been through a horrifying nightmare. It is not surprising that you can not remember anything that happened. I will tell you more after you have had some more rest and some food.”
       Warm hands laid themselves on Liana’s shoulder; she did not jump at these motherly hands nor did she try to fight them as they guided her back to the bed. Something inside her prevented her from doing anything other then laying back onto the comfortable bed. Yes, a little peace and quiet will be for me. She did not know why she thought that, but she did not argue against it.
      The feel of the bed still felt nice against her skin, the blanket’s silken texture still relaxed her far more then her old rough blanket as she heard the woman’s fading footsteps. She only had to wait a few minutes before she smelt hot soup coming into the room followed by the woman’s voice.
      “Now, here you go, the tastiest vegetable soup this side of the ocean.” Liana felt the woman place a tray across her lap. “Now, you go ahead and eat that all up. I will be out for a few hours tending to a few things. So if you need anything there is a bell next to you, just ring it once and my son will be here faster then a unicorn can dash. But do remember to stay under the covers”
      The sound of fading footsteps was followed by the click of a closing door. Alone, she ate her soup quietly, careful not to spill any on herself. The soup was as delicious as the woman had boasted. When she finished she carefully placed the tray on the floor next to the bed and simply laid there on the bed, not at all interested in sleeping.
      The seconds ticked by as her thoughts turned back to her hazy memory. She started to search her mind for any memory that might be useful, anything that might tell her what happened last night. A bright light, screaming, rain, fire, all flash into her mind as she strained herself to her limits. She finally had to accept the fact that this was all she could remember now. With that came the realization that she was in a stranger’s house, alone except for a woman and her son. Was she really safe here? Could they have anything to do with her lack of sight? Lady Hiat had always said you could never trust a commoner.
She knew that eventually it would all come back to her. Eventually, she would know if the woman was telling the truth. Right now she had to worry about her most trying problem, her blindness. The strange thing was she did not feel scared or worried about her lack of sight, she simply saw it as a great nuisance. Her worried thoughts went towards her lack of memory, though she tried to keep them on trying to find a way around being blind.
       A few more minutes of fruitless thinking later, she sat in the bed, bored and tired. She still had no want of sleep, in the end she decided to meet the son of the woman’s son. Maybe he would give her a nice conversation, something to distract her from her problems.
      She stretched her arm in search for the bell that she had been told was there.  She found it quickly enough, on what felt like a wooden drawer, and gave it a quick and reluctant shake. She began her wait hesitantly, she had no proof that the son even exited except for the woman’s word, and she had learned long ago that peasants often lied to get what they wanted. She strained her ears to hear of any footsteps were coming up to the closed door. She smiled to herself, the woman had been lying. Now she knew that could not trust anything the woman said from now on, and that…
      “You rang, miss?”
      Liana jumped violently before grabbing the covers and throwing them over herself.
      “Oh my, I did not mean to startle, miss, but you rang the bell my mother left for you to call me if you needed help.” The young and gentle voice did indeed belong to a man, but she still made a mental note to be careful of what these people said and did “So, here I am, to help.”
     “That is fine; it is just that I really…”
     “Did not expect me to really come,” Liana grimaced at this sudden interruption, Lady Hiat had always said peasants had no proper respect for those of their stations.
    “Of course I expected you to come,” She lied, “You simply took too long and caught me by surprise with your sudden appearance.”
    “Oh is that all,” Sarcasm was heavy in the man’s voice. “Anyway, you need something?”
    Liana no longer wanted to talk with this man if he did not show proper respect to her. “I merely wanted a glass of water.”
    “You just downed my mother vegetable soup and you are thirsty?” He gave a little laugh that raised her annoyance towards this man. “I doubt that, what did you really want? And please do not lie to me.”
     Liana struggled with herself, should she tell this man that she simply wanted someone to talk to? “I simply wanted some water, and the faster you get me some water the better for both of us.”
    The man scoffed, “Fine, I shall go and get some water, Princess.”
     “What did you just call me?” Liana tried hard to keep the panic from her voice, if these people knew who she was; she was in far more trouble than she had first thought.
     “Well, if you want to be act like a stuck up princess, then that is how shall address you. Is that okay, Princess?” He said the word “princess” with the sarcasm back in his voice.
     Liana just nodded and listened to his footsteps as they shuffled away, along with some annoyed muttering. Again she waited, but only for a minute. He quickly came back and brought his disrespectful attitude with him.
    “A glass of water for the thirsty princess.” He said, she thought he might have bowed to her as well, but could not be sure.
She heard him walk over to the bed and place the cup on the dresser, with a loud thunk. Obviously, he was angry. She drank her water in an awkward silence that she felt comfortable to not break, but the same could not be said for the man.
   “What is your name?” Obviously, he was just trying to kindly fill the silence, but Liana still did not know if anyone here could be trusted.
   “Linala, My name is Linala Crast.” She lied, with a deliberate hint of annoyance in her voice to see if this man would have enough sense to leave.
   “Linala, huh? That is a very pretty name. My name is Jaimz Corona, just in case you wanted to know.”
   “Well, if I wanted to know I would have asked.” She said, “Now if you do not mind I want to drink my water in silence”
Jaimz laughed, “What water? You already drank it all.”
    Liana quickly checked her glass and found out he was right, she had already drank every drop of water in it. Now even more annoyed, she laid back down on the bed, pulling the covers closer to her. She could feel Jaimz’s eyes still on her, waiting for something. The uncomfortable silence continued.
    “Well,” Jaimz said after a minute’s silence, “If you need anything else just ring the bell. I have got to tend to the unicorns.”
“Unicorns? You raise unicorns?” Excitement trilled into her voice, a unicorn’s majestic beauty always put them high on her list of favorite animals.
    “Yes, but since you are stuck in bed, with no clothes on I might add, you can not join me to see them, Sorry.” He did not sound sorry at all, in fact he sounded quite happy.
    He did not bother to close the door like his mother. Even though she was not tired she made herself comfortable, closed her blind eyes (out of habit), and let sleep take her away again.–

   Merrick awoke with a jerk. Gasping, he jumped from his bed and stood for a few moments, thinking. What the hell was that? A woman became blind, something about unicorns. Unicorns? Was the right? Did he kill that woman? What the hell is wrong with me? He wanted answers now and he knew that she had the answers. He needed answers, and he was going to get them. It didn’t matter how; he was going to get answers.

Description
Ch II Lady in Flight

       Dreams, windows into the soul. They have always told people what they are too busy to hear when awake. Messages concealed within bizarre visions, though many people are far too ignorant to learn what the dream had told them. Poor are the ones who do not listen to what their own soul is telling them inside their restful nights.
One lone figure had been looking into its own dreams for answers. Desperate for the answers it could not find elsewhere, until recently when he found what could be that which contains the answers it searches for. But away this blessing ran, like most. So again the figure searches for what it cannot reach, into the dreams it ventures to learn what it is it must do. But in the unknown, what he will find naught but doom…

        Merrick opened the door to his house and entered. What had happened to him today? Now he would have to convince her he wasn’t convince the girl he wasn’t insane, not to run at the sight of him. Would she run again if he went up to her? She probably would.
He threw his backpack down as he entered the kitchen. He would have to apologize to Drake too, for getting mad, at least. He would prove Drake wrong somehow; all he had to do was get the girl to talk to him. It all went back to her. Pathetic moron, chasing her off like that, didn’t even get her name.
He looked around the kitchen for what his mom had left out for him. Searching a few minutes he found cold chicken in the sink next to the microwave. As he was putting the chicken into the microwave he saw a note. Sighing he picked it up:

                 Merrick,

                 I left you some chicken to heat up. I will be getting in late   so don’t expect me in until about eleven. Sorry I can’t be there earlier  but I have too much work.

Love,
     Mom

       Typical. She’s ‘working late’ again. He knew what she was really doing; she was going to go out with that guy. What was his name? Oh yeah, Sean, that was it. She thought he didn’t know, but she doesn’t try to be all that secretive about it. Taking his chicken from the microwave he headed upstairs to his room.
Falling back onto his bed he picked up his remote and turned on his television. He ate quietly for a few minutes before starting to feel a little sleepy. Great, that’s just what I need, another trip to dreamland. Well I’m not going to fall asleep right now. Sighing he put down his plate and got up from his bed. All I have do to is keep myself busy with…with…with something.
What that something was, that was easily decided for him. Maybe this time he would remember something more from the dream. Maybe this time it wouldn’t all be a haze. He took the dirty dishes to the kitchen sink and went back to his room. He closed the blinds on his window and turned off his light. Once he was on his bed sleep overcame quickly.

       –He walked down the castle corridor looking for his goal. The moon shone through the windows, making it fairly simple to see down into the circular courtyard to see if anyone else was approaching Lady Hiat’s chamber. This had to be done without anyone seeing him; if one did see him then he would have to repeat the horrifying act.
          Seeing his goal down at the end of the corridor his heart started to race. After months of preparation, of making sure he was the only one who would know the truth of what would occur tonight. After so much, their plan was finally coming into fruition, it would finally end today. All the pain, all the suffering the people had been put through would finally end.
         The large golden door loomed over him. The red and black dragons stared at him as if they knew what he meant to do in the room they guarded. Merrick pushed the heavy door open and surreptitiously entered. Lady Hiat’s oversized bed lay on the other side of the large room, an excellent spot for her ending moments. She had always been one to enjoy the comforts her bed provided, and those she could lead into it, far too often.
         It was time to live up to his given name. It was Hiat who had first told him of his ‘Title’ and what it meant. All those years ago, when he was just an optimistic and idiotic child, before he learned to embrace what he had become. She had enlightened him on the grace of the great Lord Chaos. That was before the great Lord Chaos himself had come and trained Merrick in the Secret Arts. Before Merrick saw Hiat for what she really was; a lustful, greedy, hateful woman. Before Lord Chaos came he couldn’t see how disgustingly she treated her own people. Now it was time to put it to an end, he was Death’s Blade and he would strike down anyone who are unlucky enough to have Death’s Gaze stare at them through the shadows.
        Merrick slid Piurtain from his scabbard; its hiss resonated throughout the room. His feet slowly crossed the floor, his breath quickened with every step, eyes widened with anticipation. He stood over her bed as he gazed at Hiat’s sleeping body. Her auburn hair laid strewn over her sheets, her nakedness visible through the thin sheets. She was still as beautiful as when he first laid his eyes on her fair-skinned face.
       Raising Piurtain over his head, he began to quietly sing The Lament’s Melody. A fitting tune. His voice, no more than a small whisper, sounded like a roar to his ears. With no more thoughts of his past with this woman, he thrust his blade down. Hiat’s body jerked against the blade, blood sprayed out of the wound, coating Merrick from the waist up with a scarlet cover. He had hit his mark. He kept the blade in place until the body’s twitching subsided. It was finally over. She never woke from her sleep; she died in the comfort of sleep. The people would be able to rest easy now.
        A smile touched his lips, laughter broke through his singing, and his eyes shone bright with a sense of accomplishment. She was finally dead. The laughter grew until he gave up the melancholy song, and just laughed and laughed. His maniacal laughter was amplified by the echoes.

      Three months had passed since Lady Hiat’s death. Rain fell from the sky, drenching Liana’s clothes. Three months, and still no leads were found to discover who had committed the murder, she reprimanded herself for the failure. If she had been half the leader Lady Hiat was the murderer would have been caught by now. Now, she walked the streets of the town, alone and empty. The people often celebrated the Lady’s demise inside during this type of weather; she could not understand how they could be so cruel. The Lady was a great gentle woman; she was as if always kind to her people, yet here they were acting as she was some terrible beast.
      Merrick walked a few steps ahead of her, ready to protect her from anything that might cause harm to her. That was something she was always grateful for; he had stayed by her side since The Lady’s murder. Though the Lady’s death had its effects on him as well as everyone else, he was no longer the strange insecure boy he had been when the Lady appointed him as her personal guard. Now he was a strong determined man, having failed to save the Lady, he had trained and trained to protect Liana from anything that might bring any sort of harm to her. Liana knew that she would be thankful for his dedication for the longest time to come.
     Up ahead the Arconic Chapel came into view, Liana let out a long sigh. She knew she would arrive there safely, but she couldn’t help but feel uneasy being out in the open. She had been far too paranoid of danger, she knew that too. But after what had happened to Lady Hiat, who could judge her.
     “Lady Liana!”
     Liana turned as Jesca came running up to the two of them, her long intricate braid blowing behind her while the rain battered her pale skin.
     “Lady Liana, the Lord of Domlyon has sent word. He wishes for an audience with you.”
     Liana thought for only a moment, “Tell him that I am busy at the moment and I will see to him when I find I have time free for such things.”
     “Excuse me Lady Liana, but considering recent events I am not sure that is the best thing for you to…”
     “I will not let that man play his little games with me,” Liana’s voice was cold and detached, “you will do as I say and deliver my message to that pathetic snake of a man.”
     Merrick had stopped ahead, listening to what the two were saying, without turning around. Even though his face showed nothing behind the rain, he seemed to be nervous about something. Liana chose not to worry about it now; she had bigger worries at the moment. The last she had heard of the Domlyian Lord, he had threatened Lady Hiat, he was the most likely suspect they had come up with in the investigation. Though without proof they couldn’t make a move against him. Why would he suddenly ask for an audience? She thought he was the kind of man who would ‘kick a man while he was down’, as Merrick would put it. He must be trying to weasel his way into my good grace, so later he could betray me with ease.
      Jesca, looking annoyed, merely saluted and walked away, Liana stared at her as Jesca went to fulfill the order. Most of her guards would have obeyed her command with no questions asked. She hated that, having people do what she wanted, when she wanted. It gave her far too much power over their fate; she hated what the Lady had left to her. She was grateful for Jesca and Merrick they would never allow themselves to be put in such a pitiful state of servitude. She turned back towards Merrick, seeing that he had started moving forward again without a word, and followed him quietly.
     The end of the walk was as quiet as it had started, Merrick still not saying a word. The large mahogany lions carved on the doors of the chapel stared at her with their hate filled eyes. Merrick standing by the left door as composed as ever, though she knew he did not want to be here of all places. Into the silent cold church she walked, Merrick trailing. Right now she did not need rest in the comfort of her bed, even though it was what she was craving; the warm embrace of The Mother was what she needed.
     Candles lit the path to the circular dais, statues of angelic beings stared down at her with empty stone eyes behind the metallic stands. She looked up at the magnificent sculpture that was the statue resembling The Great Mother; she knelt down and began her prayer.
     The Statue’s long flowing hair covered her perfect body, arms stretched out to embrace any lost and wandering soul. Her emerald stone eyes contradicted the lions being filled warmth and love. With such loving eyes looking down at her prayer came easily. With all that has happened these past few weeks, there was nothing else to pray for. Peace, that was what she needed most, in her heart, mind, and in her land. Eyes shut she pored out her heart and soul in hope that The Mother would answer her plea.
    The calm silence of the church was gone as soon as she closed her eyes, a small sound started to fill the room. She easily ignored the sound and continued her prayer, the sound only increased in volume. A small hissing sound vibrated through the empty chapel, but still she continued her prayer. Until another sound soon joined the first, an annoyingly loud rhythmic metallic pounding. This sound was far harder to ignore. Frustrated, she quickly rose and turned to find the source of the sound.
      She found it quickly enough, making her far angrier. Merrick was dragging his sword along the concrete floor, pacing back and forth, hitting the candle stands with the scabbard The Lady had gifted to him.
     “Merrick, stop that at once.” She said in a voice strained with contained anger. Still he continued, eyes staring at nothing, face blank of any emotion. “Merrick, if you do not stop that this instant I will…”
     “Stop me yourself?” His voice was filled with laughter he struggled to keep back. “Is it really worth losing your dignity for such a worthless cause? Praying to a woman who only exists in peoples’ imaginations. How pathetic is it to put your trust in a woman who can grant you nothing.”
     Liana merely stood, shock kept her from doing anything else, as Merrick went on calling the great Mother a figment of people’s imaginations. Anger slowly crept into his voice “The only person who can give you what you need is yourself; no one else can do anything for you. So you shouldn’t even bother with your worthless prayers.”
     Liana’s shock was soon replaced with overwhelming anger, “How dare you? You pathetic piece of scum, after everything The Mother has granted you, the gifts she has given you, the fantastic life with Lady Hiat you have had.” She paused to take a deep breath to calm herself, as tears started to run down her face “After the time we spent together. You would…just… abandon it all…for your own…selfish needs.”
      Merrick’s laughter grew, “And what, my dear Lady, has The Great and Humble Mother giving me, huh?  She threw me into this world, destroyed my own, she robbed me of everything that was once mine and left me to wander alone for years, finally leading me to a witch, and her pitiful apprentice, who I am forced to protect.” Anger replaced the laughter in his voice. “And still I am as alone and as pathetic as when I first came here. Does any of this sound like something a ‘generous goddess’ would do?
     He paused as if waiting for her answer, but when he saw that he was not going to receive one he continued, angrier then before. “NO, IT’S NOT. So, then why is she making my life a living hell?” Again he paused, but almost immediately started up again. “She isn’t because SHE…DOES…NOT…EXIST. There is no greater being controlling our lives, it’s just us making our lives what they are. For years I’ve wasted my life, I’ve hoped and prayed that what I am telling you is wrong, but the truth is it is not.”
     He picked up the sword off the ground, placed it back in its sheath, and held it out to her. “I am truly sorry for the things I have put you through these passed few months.”
     His final words echoed as he disappeared before her very eyes, fading away as if he were made of mist. A small smile touched his lips and a single tear rolled down his face before he vanished completely. A loud ringing could be heard through out the entire chapel as the swords landed on the stone floor.
     Liana stood, rooted to the spot, staring at the sword Merrick had left behind. Once, not long ago, he treated that sword like it was the world itself, now he just threw it away like it was nothing. What had happened to him? Why would he do something so horrible, disgracing the memory of the beloved Lady Hiat?
Now he was gone, just like the Lady, this terrible realization crept over her. She was now more alone then ever, Merrick was the only true friend she had in such a long time. All she had left was her servants. It was far too disgraceful for someone in her station to become friends with a mere servant…
      Scared, she was so scared. Without another moment to spare, she ran, picking up the sword without so much at a glance at it out into the rain.
The streets were no longer empty. Despite the pouring rain the streets were filled; hundreds of people were running and dancing in the wet streets. Trying to ignore the people’s bizarre behavior, she continued to run through the throng of wet people. Musicians under canvas tents played cheerful music, laughing with all the rest, no one seemed to notice her at all.
     Why is everyone out on a night like this? She thought. Small children ran along side her, thinking she was part of whatever was going on, laughing and pointing at the sword. They started to yell something at her. She could only guess it was going to be about the sword she carried, because they were interrupted when the loud explosions started up. She expected people to start running at this sudden interruption or at least stop what ever it was they were doing, but people just started to applaud the explosions. Why are these people here? What in the world is going on over there?
      Curiosity got the better of her; she changed her destination from the Palace to where the explosions were emanating from. People continued the cheer and dance as the noise of the explosion grew to resemble thunder. Louder and louder it grew, faster and faster she ran. There was no time to call the guards if they were not there already, she would have to deal with this on her own.
     After a moment she realized where she was running off to, The Square. The center of the city where a statue of the late Lady Hiat stood as a monument to her greatness. It had been standing over The Square for twenty-five years, what could be going on there?
     She received her answer soon enough, coming to a stop at The Square she saw far more people cheering as cloaked figures raised their palms. It was easy to tell one was a woman and the other a man, the woman was slim, short, and one could clearly see her shape under the cloak. The man was far taller then the woman and far muscular, each stood facing the Lady’s statue, side by side their shoulders rose and fell from heavy breathing. Liana gasped as a bud of fire appeared in their hands. The slim darkened hand of the cloaked woman produced a green flame and the muscular pale hand a black flame. The cheering grew even louder at the sight of this strange scene. The flames continued to grow under the pouring rain until they threatened to consume their entire hands.
      Liana could not understand what was happening; everything was so strange she could not make any sense of it. She stood watching as the rain fell, waiting for something  to happen. She knew she had to stop whatever was causing the explosions, but could not see what could be causing the noises. The two cloaked figures stood for only a minute more before, in one swift and harmonized motion, they brought their arms down and thrust them back and forward, launching the two balls of fire towards the statue.
      Liana’s screams of terror were drowned out by the people’s screams of joy. As the fire hit the base of the statue with a deafening explosion, so loud that Liana covered her ears to try to block out at least some of the sound, the base shattered. The statue came crashing down, towards the cheering people. Liana screamed even louder as the people merely stood cheering watching the statue fall. Knowing she could do nothing there, she ran.
      She managed to keep her eyes forward as the sound of the statue crushing anything under it reached her ears. People kept on cheering. Tears streamed down Liana’s face as she looked around at the faces she passed. All these people were clearly mad to even be out on a night like this, but to be cheering the death of all those people…
     She could not imagine why anyone would be so cruel. These were her people, her countrymen, and she did not want anything to do with them after what she had just witnessed. Sword held tightly to her chest, she continued to run from the scene, from the people, from Merrick, from everything.
     Titles, nobles, servants, responsibility, she needed to escape from it all. To run from everything would be more wonderful then anything any noble could offer her, but she could not just leave her people in the state they were in. Could She? Of course not! Why was she even thinking such things? I should not even be thinking about things. I am far too young to be running a realm. I should be…
      A man yelled, a horse whinnied, thunder roared, and lightning struck. It all happened far too fast. Flames exploded into her eyes, blinding light appeared, and the world went dark. Her mind became unsettled; she no longer knew where she was, nothing made sense to her anymore. Distant screams followed the man and horse, piercing screams almost drowned out the thunderous sound of the crashing carriage. Confused, she fell to the ground. What happened? Why can I not see anything? The feel of the pouring rain felt like a distant dream, like it was happening to someone else.
     Voices reached her ears through all the turmoil, “Mama, come quick! Someone fell out of that carriage, she needs our help bad.”
The voice came from somewhere far above her, a new voice came from far off ahead. “Oh, let The Mother be praised she is alive. Bring her inside the house, and be quick about it.”
     Too weak and confused to do anything, she allowed her body to be pulled up, supported by whoever the first voice belonged to; she allowed her feet to be dragged through the mud. Consciousness started to fade; the distant rain stopped falling on that far-off person. She could still hear the sound of rain hitting wood in the distance. Giving up, she closed her eyes and let sleep’s loving embrace take her away.

The feel of the bed felt nice against her skin, the blanket’s silken texture relaxed her far more then her old rough blanket. Slowly, she opened her eyes, fully prepared to let the light show Liana her bedroom. Though the moment she opened her eyes, she knew something was wrong: nothing came into her line of sight. Only darkness filled her vision. Driven by sudden fear, she jumped from the comfort of the bed.Where am I? What happened to me? “WHAT HAPPPENED TO ME!”
       “Oh Mother help me. You should not be out of bed in your condition.” Liana jumped and let out a small yell at the sudden appearance of the woman’s high and somewhat aged voice, which seemed to be a little frightened. “Especially without any clothes on, imagine if my son came in instead of me.”
      Liana, trying to cover herself with her hands, let out another louder yell at the thought of being completely naked in a stranger’s house.
      “Who… are you?” Her voice was small and considerably weaker then her screaming. “Where… am… I? How did…How did I…get here? WHY CAN I NOT SEE ANYTHING?”
      “You are safe here on our farm.” The voice became less frightened and took on a motherly tone. “You have been through a horrifying nightmare. It is not surprising that you can not remember anything that happened. I will tell you more after you have had some more rest and some food.”
       Warm hands laid themselves on Liana’s shoulder; she did not jump at these motherly hands nor did she try to fight them as they guided her back to the bed. Something inside her prevented her from doing anything other then laying back onto the comfortable bed. Yes, a little peace and quiet will be for me. She did not know why she thought that, but she did not argue against it.
      The feel of the bed still felt nice against her skin, the blanket’s silken texture still relaxed her far more then her old rough blanket as she heard the woman’s fading footsteps. She only had to wait a few minutes before she smelt hot soup coming into the room followed by the woman’s voice.
      “Now, here you go, the tastiest vegetable soup this side of the ocean.” Liana felt the woman place a tray across her lap. “Now, you go ahead and eat that all up. I will be out for a few hours tending to a few things. So if you need anything there is a bell next to you, just ring it once and my son will be here faster then a unicorn can dash. But do remember to stay under the covers”
      The sound of fading footsteps was followed by the click of a closing door. Alone, she ate her soup quietly, careful not to spill any on herself. The soup was as delicious as the woman had boasted. When she finished she carefully placed the tray on the floor next to the bed and simply laid there on the bed, not at all interested in sleeping.
      The seconds ticked by as her thoughts turned back to her hazy memory. She started to search her mind for any memory that might be useful, anything that might tell her what happened last night. A bright light, screaming, rain, fire, all flash into her mind as she strained herself to her limits. She finally had to accept the fact that this was all she could remember now. With that came the realization that she was in a stranger’s house, alone except for a woman and her son. Was she really safe here? Could they have anything to do with her lack of sight? Lady Hiat had always said you could never trust a commoner.
She knew that eventually it would all come back to her. Eventually, she would know if the woman was telling the truth. Right now she had to worry about her most trying problem, her blindness. The strange thing was she did not feel scared or worried about her lack of sight, she simply saw it as a great nuisance. Her worried thoughts went towards her lack of memory, though she tried to keep them on trying to find a way around being blind.
       A few more minutes of fruitless thinking later, she sat in the bed, bored and tired. She still had no want of sleep, in the end she decided to meet the son of the woman’s son. Maybe he would give her a nice conversation, something to distract her from her problems.
      She stretched her arm in search for the bell that she had been told was there.  She found it quickly enough, on what felt like a wooden drawer, and gave it a quick and reluctant shake. She began her wait hesitantly, she had no proof that the son even exited except for the woman’s word, and she had learned long ago that peasants often lied to get what they wanted. She strained her ears to hear of any footsteps were coming up to the closed door. She smiled to herself, the woman had been lying. Now she knew that could not trust anything the woman said from now on, and that…
      “You rang, miss?”
      Liana jumped violently before grabbing the covers and throwing them over herself.
      “Oh my, I did not mean to startle, miss, but you rang the bell my mother left for you to call me if you needed help.” The young and gentle voice did indeed belong to a man, but she still made a mental note to be careful of what these people said and did “So, here I am, to help.”
     “That is fine; it is just that I really…”
     “Did not expect me to really come,” Liana grimaced at this sudden interruption, Lady Hiat had always said peasants had no proper respect for those of their stations.
    “Of course I expected you to come,” She lied, “You simply took too long and caught me by surprise with your sudden appearance.”
    “Oh is that all,” Sarcasm was heavy in the man’s voice. “Anyway, you need something?”
    Liana no longer wanted to talk with this man if he did not show proper respect to her. “I merely wanted a glass of water.”
    “You just downed my mother vegetable soup and you are thirsty?” He gave a little laugh that raised her annoyance towards this man. “I doubt that, what did you really want? And please do not lie to me.”
     Liana struggled with herself, should she tell this man that she simply wanted someone to talk to? “I simply wanted some water, and the faster you get me some water the better for both of us.”
    The man scoffed, “Fine, I shall go and get some water, Princess.”
     “What did you just call me?” Liana tried hard to keep the panic from her voice, if these people knew who she was; she was in far more trouble than she had first thought.
     “Well, if you want to be act like a stuck up princess, then that is how shall address you. Is that okay, Princess?” He said the word “princess” with the sarcasm back in his voice.
     Liana just nodded and listened to his footsteps as they shuffled away, along with some annoyed muttering. Again she waited, but only for a minute. He quickly came back and brought his disrespectful attitude with him.
    “A glass of water for the thirsty princess.” He said, she thought he might have bowed to her as well, but could not be sure.
She heard him walk over to the bed and place the cup on the dresser, with a loud thunk. Obviously, he was angry. She drank her water in an awkward silence that she felt comfortable to not break, but the same could not be said for the man.
   “What is your name?” Obviously, he was just trying to kindly fill the silence, but Liana still did not know if anyone here could be trusted.
   “Linala, My name is Linala Crast.” She lied, with a deliberate hint of annoyance in her voice to see if this man would have enough sense to leave.
   “Linala, huh? That is a very pretty name. My name is Jaimz Corona, just in case you wanted to know.”
   “Well, if I wanted to know I would have asked.” She said, “Now if you do not mind I want to drink my water in silence”
Jaimz laughed, “What water? You already drank it all.”
    Liana quickly checked her glass and found out he was right, she had already drank every drop of water in it. Now even more annoyed, she laid back down on the bed, pulling the covers closer to her. She could feel Jaimz’s eyes still on her, waiting for something. The uncomfortable silence continued.
    “Well,” Jaimz said after a minute’s silence, “If you need anything else just ring the bell. I have got to tend to the unicorns.”
“Unicorns? You raise unicorns?” Excitement trilled into her voice, a unicorn’s majestic beauty always put them high on her list of favorite animals.
    “Yes, but since you are stuck in bed, with no clothes on I might add, you can not join me to see them, Sorry.” He did not sound sorry at all, in fact he sounded quite happy.
    He did not bother to close the door like his mother. Even though she was not tired she made herself comfortable, closed her blind eyes (out of habit), and let sleep take her away again.–

   Merrick awoke with a jerk. Gasping, he jumped from his bed and stood for a few moments, thinking. What the hell was that? A woman became blind, something about unicorns. Unicorns? Was the right? Did he kill that woman? What the hell is wrong with me? He wanted answers now and he knew that she had the answers. He needed answers, and he was going to get them. It didn’t matter how; he was going to get answers.