Seeing Red

Chapter Two

Chapter 2

          Weeks later   

        “Zev, I thought we were beyond this!” I sighed as we rode on our mare to Anaista knows where. It had been two weeks of endless travelling, and still I didn’t know where we were going. “If you won’t answer my questions, then I won’t answer yours.”

        “My beautiful Maven, if you wished to exchange questions all you had to do is ask!” he rejoined, folding my hands between his.

        I pulled them away and questioned “Okay, tell me then, where are you from?”

        “Ah… interesting choice. Are you sure you wouldn’t like to know something more interesting, perhaps how many dragons I’ve slain…?” He grinned at me, his eyes dancing merrily.

        “Zevvran, I want to know.” I insisted with a glare that seemed to bother him not at all as he chuckled mischievously.

        “Persistent little beast you are.” He sighed before continuing, “Okay. I was born and raised in Yarea, the Elven city, as a spy and a thief. All my life I was told I was special, and I truly believed it! When the time came that Queen Vevala needed spies to infiltrate the YukYal Mountains, I knew it was what I was meant to do. I was so young then, a mere child of eight in human years.”

“I broke my dear mother’s heart when I left. But I didn’t care. I was so young, so foolish.” He broke off and pulled the horse to a stop in a small clearing. He helped me off and set me down on a boulder.

“The next two years were the worst, and the best, of my life. I learned things, secrets of my trade that none but I and the Queen knew of. I learned of power, and I revelled in it. I was an abused, unloved creature then, but I was the best at what I did. Or so I thought.”

“Once I was in the mountains and had reported everything I could to the Queen, she had told me to come home. I asked if she would release me, but I was told that I ‘knew too much’ and I had to return.”

“Once this happened I saw the trap I was placed in. I faked my death and fled.” He smiled at me and began to pace in front of me, but for once the smile never reached his eyes. “I ended up in Jutara, with the Elven Bard Clan. They taught me things no one had thought to teach me. They showed me compassion, mercy, and they brought me things that I fancy, that gave me great pleasure.” He paused and crossed his arms.  

“But, the time came for me to leave. First I was reunited with the Wood Elves, after that I sought out the woman from the prophecies that I was so involved with. It took me many years, but now here I am with you.” He wasted another charming smile on me.

        “So the Jutarans brought you things you fancied?” I queried.

        “Yes, my dear, although I didn’t know it then” he replied. His golden eyes shone in the sun, and as I spoke they brightened even more.

        “And what exactly do you fancy Zevvran?” I asked. He chuckled softly.

        “I fancy things that are beautiful, and strong. Things that have grace, and beautiful voices, things that are exciting, very dangerous and uncontrolled.” he smiled his rogue smile yet again. “Would it offend you if I said I fancied you m’ lady?” He quirked an eyebrow as he flirted outrageously with me.

        “No.” I said simply. Everyone does, I thought, thinking of the many would be suitors I had scared off.

        “Ha! That is a good thing to know yes? But enough of this talk; we need to set up camp, after all!”