The Oreans

Chapter 52

Chapter 52

A Blow

It was the grandest event Alen had been to in his life, and he thought it was so beautiful. Two of the most important people in his life, coming together, joining hands, looking perfect for each other ... their love for one another, though yet unspoken, had been obvious in every look and move. He knew it young as he was. The ceremony was about to end, and according to Roder the vows exchanged would be sealed with a kiss. Should he close his eyes? Alen reflected.

He decided he would, but before he could he felt just then a stirring in the air. Then, without warning, the drapes behind the High Chair burst into flames and the altar was suddenly surrounded by fire. Divan and Princess Reishina, still holding hands, called to him. He wished nothing more than to join them, draw them out from the fire, save them. But someone had just taken hold of him, pulling him back: a strange shadow towering over him. Much as he fought it off, he could not free himself from its grasp. He could not use his aurea, too. Feeling helpless, Alen's heart constricted with fear especially as a piece of burning lumber fell between him and his friends. All hope of saving them gone this time, he closed his eyes, trying to block the appalling situation from view. But there was no way to escape from their pleading voices.

"I'm sorry," he said as warm tears coursed down his cheeks. "I'm sorry."

Letting his emotions run loose, he sobbed hard, drowning all other sounds but for one voice. It was calling his name over and over and with each call was getting louder and louder. Wallowing in guilt and self-pity, he ignored it at first.

"Alen!"

The voice hurting his ears this time, Alen opened his eyes then started up. Miel was looking down at him, her face showing a mixture of concern and puzzlement.

"Miel? You!"

"Yes, it's I, Alen, and ... Oh! I wish to say it's good to see you again, but really ... I can't believe this of you! The whole city is already in chaos over last night's disaster and Master Divan and the princess' disappearance, and you are just here at the temple, sleeping! "

"What?" He stared at her and looked around. He was indeed still in the temple—in the garden, and judging from the dawning light in the sky must have passed the night here on a bench. But how did he get here? As far as he could remember, he was chasing someone....

Miel must have read the confusion on his face, for she asked, "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I think so... but Miel, how about Divan and the princess... you said they were..."

"Gone. No one can tell where they are at the moment. Didn't Master Divan tell you where he would be taking Princess Reishina? I saw you on the altar with him."

"We didn't even—Wait!" He stood up as Miel's mention of the name 'Reishina' registered. "Did I hear you say 'Princess Reishina'?"

Miel wore a hesitant look briefly then said in a low voice, "Yes. I saw the royal markings on her, and I have eyes and ears, you know.... I am not mistaken, am I? I actually can't believe it myself."

Alen did not answer, but Miel did not seem to be waiting for any.

"You know about it, too, I am sure. Father must have told you that that was Princess Reishina."

"No! No, he didn't. He, in fact, didn't know."

"But... how—"

"We can't talk about this now, Miel. But I beg you to keep this between us for the meantime. Perhaps once we find her she can tell you everything."