The Stormblade Part 3

Drake stalked into his tent and flung the door shut behind him for the second time that night. He unbelted his sword and threw it on his cot angrily. He muttered to himself as he poured himself some shala out of a canteen and then sat down heavily into a chair.
"How could he dare expect these children to help us?" he seethed. "He is putting every one of us in danger."
Reba, who was sitting in the far corner of his tent, spoke quietly. "Drake, you need to calm down."
Drake became silent, but his eyes still burned with anger.
"Let it go, Drake." she continued. "It's not worth it."
Drake finally exploded. "It is worth it! Fox doesn't know what he's doing. He brings children into our camp, and expects them to help us, who knows how! And supposedly, the female, Ming, is the heir of Hayden!"
"So I heard. But couldn‘t it be true?" questioned Reba mildly.
"It is possible." Drake admitted reluctantly. "The ages definitely match up, but seriously, Reba! The chances of a female earthling coming here and claiming to be our future queen-"
"Is no more of a chance than three teenagers appearing from nowhere and claiming to have held a missing medallion." She interrupted, coming to sit on the arm of his chair. "Besides, you know that there is no way to activate one of those medallions unless someone touches it and has royal blood flowing in their veins."
Drake looked up at her, his face softening somewhat as he saw his sister's beautiful face. "Perhaps. I am not convinced. How would a medallion have ended up on Earth anyway? After all, it ‘disappeared.’ We have yet to see what brought them here."
"Because that is where Sailee took it." Reba answered, cocking an eyebrow and ignoring his mocking.
"Sailee?" Questioned Drake, incredulously. He thought it over for a moment. "Yes, it is possible, and yet another thing to worry about besides! If Calvin found one of the medallions on earth, supposedly in his attic, how much does he know? His mother must have known Sailee well, for her to have been given the medallion. And if Xavier believes she’s alive, or that one of the teenager’s is Hayden’s heir, we are all in danger! And Calvin said that the medallion belonged to his father, so he must know more than he is telling!"
"Do you think that Xavier could be his father?" asked Reba.
Drake stood up abruptly. "I don’t think so," he said flatly. "That would mean that Sailee, Hayden’s daughter would be his mother. And if that were true, then why couldn’t Calvin activate the medallion? Why Ming?"
Reba slid into the seat of his chair. "Then why did he say that it belonged to his father?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "It seems to me that there are a great deal of questions that are being asked, and no one to answer them."
Drake handed her his cup. "So it appears. And Hayden’s heir or not, I think that Fox should get rid of them as soon as possible." he said firmly, and exited the tent.
Reba raised both eyebrows at Drake's display of determination. She sighed. If Drake and Fox became enemies, whom would she choose? Her brother or the man she loved?


Ming and Calvin were arguing furiously as Josh sat nearby, rolling his eyes.
"And just who is this, King Hayden?" she demanded. "Who is Sailee? And why does everyone suddenly seem to think that I am Dargothian?" Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes sparked.
Calvin groaned. "I told you already!" He still remembered almost everything he had read from the book. "King Hayden was the last good king. He had a daughter named Sailee who ended up in an arranged marriage to Xavier, who is currently the tyrant king."
"And I come into this, where?"
"Well, Sailee really loved another guy, I forget his name, and ended up cheating on Xavier."
"Sounds like a soap opera." Josh commented.
Calvin shrugged. "It is what it is. Anyway, she got pregnant and ran away before Xavier had a chance to find out and kill her. She stole his medallion; again, no one really knows why, maybe cause she wanted revenge for her forced marriage or something."
"I‘m sure." Ming retorted dryly. "So my mother is really a Dargothian who somehow found her way to Earth and made a living for herself after having me?" Her voice trembled. "Even if that all was true, Calvin, how does that explain the medallion in your attic, and me being adopted?"
"I don’t have a clue." Calvin snapped. "All I know is, the only way to activate the medallion was to have someone with royal blood touch it. The instant you touched it, Ming, it lit up like a beacon. If that isn’t saying the obvious, I don’t know what else would!"
Ming burst into tears and ran out the door.



Ming sat by a campfire, her knees drawn up to her chest, sobbing. She didn’t understand this place or its people. She didn’t know why everyone thought that she was one of them, and she didn’t believe that it was possible. Years of pain washed back over her as she remembered her mother telling her not to cry, a long time ago, when she was very young, as she was handed to a complete stranger. She couldn’t understand why her mother was giving her away. She had never understood why every home, every family that fostered her, for there had been many, had never kept her longer then a year. She had known that she was pretty, but never flaunted it, only hoped that it would help her find a family who would love her. But it hadn’t. Even the family who fostered her now was showing the signs of wanting her out. She was alone in the world, and knew that that was how it would always be.
Just then, she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. She looked up slowly, not bothering to wipe away her the tears that ran unchecked down her face.
Reba sat down beside her. "Why are you crying?" she asked. "Has someone hurt you?" She looked concerned.
Ming turned her face away. "A long time ago." She answered, in a moment of self pity.
"Your mother?" Reba queried knowingly.
"How do you know about her?" Ming asked in astonishment.
Reba smiled. "Sailee is a well known legend to every Dargothian. She had the courage to defy Xavier. If you are indeed her daughter, there will be no trouble in putting you in your rightful place as queen of Dargothia."
"But I don’t want to be a queen!" Ming cried. "I just want to be normal, to be loved, to go home!" She started to cry again.
"Shhhh." Reba hushed her, patting her shoulder. "It will be alright. If you truly want to go home, we will find a way to send you back, but rest assured," She looked deep into Ming’s eyes. "Whatever your mother did to hurt you, I don’t believe that she did it for any other reason then to protect you. No mother is capable of hurting their own child on purpose." She patted her belly. "I should know."
Ming did not quite believe her, but she was grateful for Reba’s caring attitude. "Thank you." she glanced at the tent. "I should probably go and apologize...."
Ming wiped her eyes and they both stood. A bond was forged between them as Reba smiled. "Think about what I have said, at least." She said. "I know that you cannot yet accept it, but maybe someday?"
"Maybe someday." Ming replied, unbelieving, and walked away.



Meanwhile, Fox was conversing with one of his men inside his own tent.
"I think that it would be wiser to strike here, and then here." he said, pointing to various places on a table sized map that he had just unfolded. "What do you think, Balin?" he questioned the tall, older man beside him, the battle commander.
Balin gazed at the map for a while before he spoke. "I think, lord," he finally said, slowly. "That to attack the city of Dargothia is foolish. We would never conquer it."
Fox grinned wolfishly. "Exactly." he said. "That's what Xavier thinks. And if he continues to think that, than we do have a chance."
Balin still shook his head. "A very small chance, surely not enough to risk men's lives for. Besides, Xavier 's palace is in Dargothia."
"We have to take over that if we expect to win the war," said Fox.
"It will be guarded better than his treasury," said Balin, pessimistically.
"I have more informants in his palace than I do scattered all over Delmada." Answered Fox, non-deterred.
Balin sighed. "And every one of them is dead loyal?"
"Every one." said Fox firmly.
"Than perhaps we can do it," said Balin, still staring at the map.
"We can and we will, with you to head my troops," Said Fox, bowing slightly to Balin in a gesture of honor.
Balin bowed back, deeply. "And when Xavier is conquered and dead, than it will be you who will rule Dargothia. And I will serve you until the day I die."
Fox shook his head violently. "No! No more kings. I will not rule. Delmada has had enough of royalty. We will have a free government. The people themselves will rule; but I will not. I am content just to be a pillar holding up the structure."
Balin bowed again. "It will be as you say, lord. But until then, you have my strength, my loyalty, and my heart."
Fox nodded slightly, then bent over his map, in an attempt to find just the right place to strike in full force.
Just then, Reba entered the tent and came to stand behind him. She put her arms around his neck.
"Still plotting the destruction of Dargothia?" she teased.
Fox turned around so that he was looking down into her face. "The end of Xavier’s reign, yes. The destruction of Dargothia, never!"
Reba slipped out of his arms and toyed with the wooden figures he had placed on the map; they stood for Xavier and his army.
"Do you truly expect these outworlders to be of any use to us?" she suddenly demanded, looking straight at him.
"Have you been speaking to Drake?" he asked, ignoring her question.
"Fox!" replied Reba, sitting down on a nearby chair. "Perhaps Drake is right and these children will only bring trouble. After all, the one named Calvin has possibly lied once already."
"He has not." Fox said as he once again leaned over the map. Balin pretended that he wasn’t listening. Newly weds arguments were not his concern,
"They can not even pick up a sword, how can you expect them to be of any use?" she asked again.
"It is not for you or I to question Dargothian fate, Reba!" Fox whirled on her. "They are here because they are meant to be here. I don’t know what purpose they will serve, but I’m quite sure that there is one. And it is my duty as a Dargothian to protect them and I will not have you or Drake, or anybody else do otherwise! Do you understand me?"
Reba’s eyes were wide at his sudden outburst, but she said nothing.
Fox continued. "Right now, it is both of our jobs to focus on taking back Dargothia for the people. These children will help support the people by just their presence. If Drake doesn’t like this, he can deal with it! But neither of you will stop me from carrying out my duty."
It was Reba’s turn to become angry. "All you care about is the people! What about me, or the baby?"
Fox was taken aback. "Baby? What baby?"
Reba was crying now. "Your baby, my baby, our baby. The baby that will be born soon."
Fox blinked. "You’re pregnant?"
"Yes!" Reba shouted. "I’m pregnant. I’m going to have a baby. But are you even going to have time for it when it is born? All you ever do is plan battle strategies and recruit soldiers. I barely even see you anymore."
"I didn’t know you were pregnant." Fox was still stunned. "When did you get pregnant?"
Reba glared at him. "See? You are so busy that you didn’t even notice! I’ve been pregnant for eight months."
"Wha-?" Fox was dazed. His wife had been pregnant for eight months, and she had had to tell him? How could he have not noticed? How come nobody else had thought to tell him? He made a mental note to get mad at Balin later. "But, you do see me, you’re seeing me right now." He added in weak protest.
"It’s not the same." Cried Reba. "I want to have a house, somewhere safe where we can raise this child and any more that come. I am tired of living in fear and in hiding."
Fox went over and embraced her. Balin had conveniently disappeared several minutes ago. He gently pushed her chin up so that she was looking him in the eyes.
"Reba, I’m sorry that we have to live in hiding. But I promise you that our child will not grow up as we have. The time to strike is almost here. We will win, and then, when Dargothia is able to survive on its own, you and I will find a little house somewhere, and we will raise all the children that you want. First, however, Xavier has to be defeated. If he is allowed to continue as he has, killing everyone who doesn’t obey him, and ruling over our people in tyranny, nobody will be able to live freely. But we will survive this, believe me."
Reba sniffled and looked deep into his eyes for a moment. Then she nodded. "I believe you, and I am with you until the end." She caressed his face. "Whether we live or die."
"So, uh, why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant, like, seven months ago?" Fox ruined the romance of the moment.
Reba sighed and rolled her eyes. "Well, for the past six months I figured you knew, like the rest of the camp, and were just trying to ignore the fact. I didn’t realize that you couldn’t see what was right in front of your eyes!"
"Ah." Fox replied. He shrugged. "I was busy."
Reba let out a snort of disbelief and stalked away, but not before she smacked the back of his head, hard.
At dawn the next morning, Fox and a large company of men moved out. He had asked Reba to remain behind and gather herbs for any that would be wounded when they returned. She was still upset, of course, but she obeyed without protest, knowing that he was just trying to protect her and their child, now that he was aware of it. He also ordered Drake to alert the other rebel Dargothians in the forest, and join him later at a tavern in Dargothia. They would not attack until everyone was ready.
Two of the teenagers he had agreed to let accompany him. He was not sure that they wouldn’t be a hindrance, as none of them had excelled very far in their lessons, but if it was Dargothian fate that had brought them, who was he to question their abilities? He had, however, insisted that Calvin remain behind.
Fox frowned a little at this memory. Calvin had been quite perturbed when he had been informed of his decision. But Fox believed it was better for him to stay at camp, especially since he had yet to declare his loyalty to either side.
He sighed, again. With a touch of luck, Dargothia would be free soon, than the teens could go home, while he and Reba would be free to return to the forest. Alone.
He winced. Oh yeah. The teens going home….he couldn’t wait until they found out that he had lied about the medallion. He pushed the troublesome thought into the back of his mind and focused on getting into Dargothia.


Drake kneeled on the bank by the river, scooping up the cool water in his hands and splashing it on his face. Refreshed, he leaned back against the roots of a nearby tree and closed his eyes, basking in the warm sunlight that filtered through the branches above.
He had been traveling fast ever since daybreak. It was now almost sundown. He had been careful to stay on the path, knowing that one step off from it could result in fighting and perhaps death.
Without warning, a branch snapped. Drake’s eyes snapped open and he leapt to his feet, groping for his sword. He unsheathed it just in time to counter the first blow of his opponent’s sword.
As they circled each other warily, he took the time to study his new enemy. It was a tall man with long light hair pulled back in to a ponytail, and dark eyes. He was dressed in a green meant to blend in with the surrounding forest.
Drake frowned. This man was obviously not a Dargothian, but neither a Neptunian. A half-breed perhaps? Whatever the man was, he gave Drake no more time to think, attacking him ferociously.
Though he handled his sword well, Drake easily disarmed the man and threw him to the ground. Raising his sword to drive it into the man’s chest, he suddenly felt a cold, deadly prick on the back of his neck.
Stiffening, Drake glanced out of the corner of his eye. Another half-breed stood behind him with narrowed eyes, holding a naked blade to Drake’s neck.
Slowly, he rotated his head, peering into the forest around him. As he did so, a ring of warriors materialized, most of them pointing arrows aimed at his heart.
Breathing heavily from exertion, Drake hesitated. The bows strained tighter, and the blade at his neck pressed closer, drawing blood. Drake finally dropped his sword; two men broke ranks and seized him, pinioning his arms.
Drake struggled against them as the man with the sword stepped in front of him.
"Who are you?" he asked, sheathing his sword and studying Drake.
Drake glared at him, but made no reply.
The man raised his eyebrows, amused, but not surprised. "My name is Edar. We are the Sivians. You are trespassing on our territory." He said, gesturing to the forest around him.
"This isn’t anybody’s territory." Snapped Drake. "Anyone and everyone have the right to travel on it. No blood is supposed to be shed here." He added, straining against his captors.
"We recognize no rights." Edar declared. "This land is ours."
"I’ve never heard of the Sivians." Drake argued. "Who do you serve?"
Edar’s eyes hardened. "No one." He growled.
"I have to travel through here." Drake tried again. "There is no other way; I cannot cross the Neptunian boundaries."
"Then you are Dargothian." Surmised Edar. "What is your name?"
"Drake." He said reluctantly. "Second in command to the Stormblade."
"I have never heard of ‘the Stormblade’." Edar remarked.
"Well, if you insist on taking over this path, you’ll hear of him mighty quick-I assure you."
Edar studied him once again, than snapped his fingers. The two Sivians released him hastily, relieved to be rid of him. Drake reached down and slowly picked up his sword, sheathing it.
"You may continue on your way." Edar finally said. "We will find this ‘Stormblade’ and bargain with him. We want no trouble with anyone, but we must have a place for our wives and children." He raised his hand in farewell, and both he and his men vanished.
Drake took a deep breath. Where had these ‘Sivians’ come from? Would they be a threat in the future? And why hadn’t they killed him?


Meanwhile, Reba was busy gathering herbs for any wounded that might return. Several of Fox’s men had offered to go with her in case of any danger, but she laughed them off. She did, however, take Calvin with her. She knew that he was disappointed that Fox had not allowed him to go, and she wished to ask him about the world that he came from.
The two traveled deep into the forest searching for the rare gurro root, said to cure fevers better than any other natural herbs. As they searched, Reba asked Calvin question after question, and was amazed at how alike their worlds really were.
"But what about your king?" she asked. "Surely he must know about there being other worlds."
Calvin shook his head. "We don’t have a king; we have a president, but it’s different. And as far as I know, nobody but us knows about Dargothia."
Reba fell silent as she pondered this. Opening her mouth to ask yet another question, she suddenly spotted a gurro plant. "I found one!" she cried, and set busily to digging it up. Calvin stood over her awkwardly. He knew nothing of plants and herbs, and had only come because he could not stand another minute in that camp.
He glanced up, and studied their surroundings with little interest. Suddenly, he blinked and focused on a small group of trees of to his left. "Reba..." he started to speak, then breathed in sharply.
Reba, suddenly aware that something was wrong, stood up. "What is it?" she asked, then she gasped as she, too, saw what Calvin did.
From behind the clump of trees, five men slid into view. They were dressed in green, and all carried open blades.
"Who are they?" Calvin whispered, putting his hand to his sword, grateful that he had thought to wear it today while at the same time hoping that he wouldn‘t have to use it.
Reba closed her eyes and placed a hand on her swollen belly. "They are called the Jarlings. I do not know who they serve."
The Jarlings surrounded them, swords held steady, as their leader spoke, arrogant with authority. "I am Rhayden. What do Dargothian rebels want so far from their camp?"
Reba warned Calvin with her eyes to be silent as she answered Rhayden. "We are searching for herbs to tend to our wounded. We did not know how far we had strayed."
Rhayden studied her carefully, eyeing her swollen belly. "Surely your husband knows you are out with another man?"
Reba flushed angrily, but she held her temper. "My husband is fighting in the war, he knows what I do, and trusts me completely."
"Ah." Rhayden replied, as if that explained it all. "Just who is your husband anyway?" he watched her with narrowed eyes.
Reba stood as straight as she could, and Calvin glared at the Jarling. "My name is Reba, my husband’s name is Fox, leader of the rebels, known as the Stormblade to some." She replied.
Rhayden and his men stepped closer. "How interesting." he said quietly, dangerously. "The Stormblade’s one weakness, his wife. And I have found her when she has barely anyone to protect her. What a prize you would make for Xavier."
Calvin drew his sword. "Wrong, Jarling, she has me to protect her, which I will do with my life."
Rhayden shrugged. "You asked for it." he swung at Calvin, who parried his thrust, knowing that it was useless. He wished he could tell Reba to run, but even he knew that she, a pregnant woman, would not get far. She was back to back with him now with her own sword, protecting his unexposed back.
Calvin began to sweat as he tried to prevent the Jarling from killing them both. Fox’s lessons came back to him as he stepped and parried and blocked. But it still wasn’t enough for one who knew practically nothing about a broadsword to defeat a man who had spent his entire life fighting with one. His sword was knocked away, and he stood motionless with Rhayden’s blade at his throat.
Reba also dropped her sword once she realized Calvin’s position. Rhayden chuckled with malice. "So should I kill you both and just bring your heads back to the king, or do you think that he could use you better alive?"
"Go ahead and kill us, you pig!" Reba spat. "Should be easy for you , considering everyone else you have probably killed!"
Rhayden put his hand to his chest in mock drama. "Everyone else?" he asked with fake pain. "There wasn’t anyone else, unless of course, you mean a spy that had to be executed. Her name was Falina. Does that name sound familiar to you?" he asked with a sneer as Reba’s eyes opened wide with shock. "Yes, she was the king’s handmaiden. He favored her highly. Too bad she was a traitor."
"Murderer!" Reba hissed, and threw herself at him. Caught by surprise, Rhayden pulled a dagger from his belt and stabbed her with it as he stumbled backwards. Reba fell forwards, and fell to the ground with a moan.
"You killed her!" Calvin screamed, and fought madly as they tried to restrain him. Rhayden shrugged callously. "One less rebel to worry about." He said, and helped to drag Calvin away, into the darkest part of the forest.


Drake reached Dargothia around midnight. He went to a house at the back of an alley, and slept there until noon. When he woke up, he tipped the woman who lived there, and began his search for Fox, Ming and Josh. They were waiting for him inside a tavern, positioned in the slums of the city.
Upon entering, Drake spotted Fox conversing with a figure dressed in green. It was Edar. Josh and Ming sat beside them. Drake allowed himself a stare of disbelief before he stalked across the room. Pulling up a chair, he sat down between them.
Keeping his face expressionless, he spoke. "You know what, Edar? I’m not even going to ask how you got here. Because I don’t really want to know." He raised his hand, gesturing the waitress to bring him a shala.
Edar grinned. "We simply traveled straight to the city, through the forest, than asked around, looking for the ‘Stormblade.’ Everyone in the slums seems to know you, Fox." He added in admiration.
"I used to live here." Fox responded, looking into his cup and swirling its contents. "Several years ago, these people were subjects under the king’s cruel reign. There was no one to lead them in a rebellion. They were unhappy, upset, and dangerous."
"And now?" Prodded one of Edar’s men, who had just stepped up behind them. He was young, with a rust colored beard and blue eyes that shone with the fire of youth. Ming looked up at him in awe.
"They are still unhappy, and still dangerous." Fox answered quietly.
Drake tapped his fingers impatiently for a moment. "And we are strong!" He finally burst out. "When Fox became our leader, we realized that we could do something about their situation. So we moved into the slums, the dark part of Dargothia. When the time is right, we will rise, and Xavier will fall, along with any who support him." He glowered at Edar, as if he expected him to declare himself loyal to the king.
Edar met his gaze levelly. "I was just taking to Fox-before you arrived, Drake- and he was telling me about your rebellion. Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand that there is not yet enough of you to make a difference in a battle, no matter how strong you might be in spirit."
"Aye." Drake replied grudgingly. "But surely only another hundred would be enough to turn the flow of the tide in our favor."
"Hmmm." Edar speculated for a moment, than turned to the young man behind him who had spoken. "What do you think, Delmar? Should we make up the difference?"
Delmar gripped his sword hilt eagerly. "We are only fifty, milord," he said to Fox, while trying not to stare at Ming, who watched him from under her eyelashes. "But we make up for our numbers with our skills. And if, because of us, you were to win, you could show us gratitude by giving us a place to live-our own territory."
Drake laughed aloud, the stress lines about his face disappearing for a moment. "You have quite a bargainer there," he told Edar. "You should listen to him, Fox." He added.
Fox also chuckled. "What say you, Edar?" he asked.
Edar stroked his chin. "I think that very soon I’ll resign from leading my people, and give the job to Delmar. But, for now, we will fight for you-if you will allow us to live in the forest in peace."
"Agreed." Fox said. "How shall we start?"
"Why not the palace?" Delmar offered. "It will be the most guarded, but if that were taken, the rest of the city would not be hard."
Drake grinned. "A man of my own heart." He said. "I’m with him."
"So, you’re just going to attack a well guarded palace in hopes of being able to take it over?" Josh questioned in disbelief. Ming shuddered at the thought.
"That is what war is." Delmar jumped to his leaders’ defense. "Don’t worry." He comforted Ming. "It would be far more simpler and less dangerous than meeting them in open battle."
"But a palace?" argued Josh.
"It’ll work;" interrupted Drake, "If we can distract the palace guards first. Make them think that another part of the city is being attacked. And when they go out to secure that, we move onto the palace. Va la!"
"Great," said Fox. "You distract, we’ll attack."
"What!" Drake exclaimed. "What do you mean, me distract?"
"Exactly what he said." Answered Edar smoothly. "Delmar, you’re with him."
Delmar saluted hastily, obviously disappointed at not being able to join the ‘real’ fight. "Aye, sir."
Fox glanced at him. "Don’t worry, Delmar. You’ll still get to be in a fight. Just do this first."
Delmar saluted again, causing Drake to sigh disgustedly as he got up. "Shall we go now?" he asked Delmar.
"Yes sir!" he responded smarty, trying to impress Ming.
Drake rolled his eyes.


Delmar took great pride in being the youngest Sivian warrior under Edar’s command. He didn’t realize that pride was a fault. He was disappointed at not being able to join the fight immediately, but one of the first things he had learned was to obey orders no matter the circumstances. He also knew that if they succeeded, Ming would surely be quite impressed; maybe she would run to him afterwards, her long black hair streaming out behind her. He would pick her up and….Delmar came back to the present with a jolt. He was following Drake through the winding streets, coming closer and closer to the city square. They were both dressed in black, with red capes swirling behind them.
When they reached the last block between them and the square, Drake pulled out his sword, and Delmar did likewise. Just as they were about to attract the attention of the bailiff and his men-who were lounging near the town’s stables-Drake tensed.
"What’s that noise?" he asked.
Delmar shrugged impatiently. "I don’t know. Sounds like a gathering in the market place. Probably somebody being punished."
Drake sheathed his sword. "Let’s go see."
"Are you out of your mind?" Delmar gaped. "We don’t have time to deal with anything but distracting the bailiff."
"Oh well." Drake replied.
They hurried back the way they came, turning down new streets and alleyways until they reached the public whipping platform. There, tied to the post, was a young dark-skinned woman. Her long brown hair was knotted and tangled as it mixed with the blood oozing out of the deep cuts that covered her back.
Delmar looked at Drake and saw him working his jaw angrily. "Drake…" he started.
"Go back to the tavern," ordered Drake, pulling out his sword. "Tell Fox to attack the palace from the rear. I’ll be making a distraction all right, but not where he wants it."
"But," Delmar tried to protest, but Drake got into his face.
"Look, Delmar, I like you. Don’t make me kill you. Do as I say, and don’t worry. I know what I’m doing."
Delmar turned to run but then stopped.
"Drake, let me help you." He said, unmilitary-like, forgetting about Ming.
Drake didn’t hesitate. "Let’s go!"


Zaya squeezed her eyes shut tightly, and braced herself, clutching the pole she was bound to. The excruciating pain from her bloody back almost blocked the sound of the whip strokes.
Between waves of unconsciousness, Zaya heard a loud voice speaking, but she couldn’t make out the words. The whip was still falling once, twice more, a third time. She willed herself not to scream in agony.
Finally, the whiplash stopped. Zaya did not dare to move, for fear of her back ripping open even more than it already was. Someone cut the ropes that held her hands above her head. She fell to the blood soaked ground, unable to stand.
A rough hand grasped her coffee colored shoulder and this time she did cry out, shrinking away and glancing up at the same moment. The face that came close to hers was blurred, but she would have recognized it anywhere.
"Drake!" she cried softly, rolling the r.
He quickly brought his finger to her lips. "Shhh." He whispered. "Save your strength. We have to get out of here."
Zaya scowled. I am not going to run from my enemies." She argued unreasonably. "And you should be attacking the palace, not saving me!"
"I know, I know." Drake said quickly. "But we don’t have time for this. Here, get up."
He stood up, helping her to her feet carefully. Zaya looked and saw a young man with a short sword fighting the king’s guards.
Zaya wanted desperately to ask Drake who the other young man who had suddenly come to her rescue was, but the pain from her back numbed her entire being.
"Just a little farther," Drake kept whispering as he parried a sword thrust from a single guard and kicked him away. "Not much longer now…"
She tried to keep on walking, to focus on anything but her back, but she failed, and slipped slowly into unconsciousness.

When Zaya fainted, Drake was at a loss of what to do. He knew that the palace would be finding reinforcements, and that Delmar couldn’t last much longer by himself. He didn’t have much time to do anything, much less find a place to hide Zaya.
Curse it all! What had she done to make them suspect her so? He gently picked her up, glancing down at her dark skin. He felt her warm blood cover his arms. He needed to get her someplace safe, where she could be taken care of, and soon!
He carried her down several streets, traveling down an alley until he reached a side door of the house he had slept in that morning. Already, he was beginning to hear shouts in the distance. Making sure that nobody had followed him, he kicked the door with his boot several times. After a moment, it opened a crack, slowly.
Exasperated, Drake stuck his foot into the opening and shoved it open brutally. The young woman behind the door gasped as she stared at Drake and Zaya. "What happened?" she demanded, finally finding her voice.
Drake’s eyes flashed. "I do not have the time to tell stories." He snapped. "Where can I put her?"
The woman put her hands on her hips. "No one comes into this house and puts us into danger without a good explanation." She said, lifting her chin a little, gesturing to the three young children that hid behind her skirts.
"Look," said Drake desperately. "I’ll keep them away from your house if you’ll just help her. She’s already lost a lot of blood. Please tell me where I can put her."
The woman glanced at Drake and than at Zaya in the agony of indecision. She looked at the children nervously, than finally sighed. "You can put her in the bedroom." She said, leading the way. "I don’t know if I can help her, but I’ll try."
"That’s all that I ask." Answered Drake, setting Zaya down on the bed gently. He turned away. "I’ll be back, and I’ll tell you whatever you want to know."
The woman began preparing to wash Zaya’s back. "And if you don’t?" she asked, not looking up.
Drake hesitated. "I will be." He lied, than hurried out the door, loosing his sword as he did.