Writen in the Stars - Working Title

Chapter Four

The harbour buzzes with life as I take a seat on the small fishing boat, making idle chatter with Zeke about the 'days fishing' ahead of us. A job here is one of the few ways the people of Sanguard can obtain relative freedom. Whilst the King takes collateral from those allowed to work here, it isn't impossible to sneak in and out with enough luck and planning. For obvious reasons, the vampire can't keep watch during the day, and few of the so called guards are completely loyal, most having been taken from their homelands and forced to suffer in the slums for at least a while. If you know which guards are more inclined to turn a blind eye, the only challenge is to avoid the dwindling supporters, and then very few boats travel with vampires on board. There had been many occasion where the lure of blood straight from the vein became all too tempting, and the King still relied on a certain level of trade to run the castle. Our position as the King's chosen grants Zeke and I a certain level of immunity, and we could kill the merchant right here on sight without the flutter of an eyelid. The worst of the supporters is Krum, and as he eyes us suspiciously during his patrol, I smile and wave, relishing in the hatred behind his stare. The supportive guards are considered traitors by those in the slums, and whilst they are allowed to live in the outskirts of the city, under the King's protection, they aren't viewed as valuable considering the whole not-drinking-blood thing. Some of the vampires within the ranks weren't considered as high level as the chosen, and I was hardly beneath flaunting my status to ruffle a few feathers. Anything to keep myself entertained as the day wore on without sight of the merchant. I wonder between boats, skimming the few stalls set up nearby and grabbing some mushroom soup. Returning to our look out, where Zeke, patient as ever, keeps watch over the crowds, I note the increased presence of the crows which seem to hover on each corner, flying aimlessly above as if to block out the sun and think back to Elodie and little rainbow house.

"What's the deal with the ball then? It looks as if the King is planning something important?" I ask Zeke, gesturing to the crow, hopping around the pier a few feet away.

"Not sure. The King mentioned there's a cause for celebration, he will he welcoming an esteemed guest and he also said he has news to share if we arrive early."

"Elodie should be able to help with clothing." Matter of fact, as I didn't need Zeke worrying about how much I hated palace balls.

"We can visit her when we're done here. Don't tell her, but I might even be glad for a cup of her tea, after all this time away".

What feels like several more hours seem to pass before I finally catch sight of a strange man. He's tall, taller than even Zeke, with green eyes that can barely be seen through the material of his hood. His clothes are a pale blue, unlike any of the materials worn by those who belong here. I nudge Zeke and make a move to approach the strange figure when our eyes lock from across the pier, and he sets off pelting in the opposite direction.

I dart after him, eyes locked on my target as he leads us on a futile chase round and round in circles. I need to pick my moment just right in order to drag him to the sea caves, where there would be no soul to witness our next steps. He's slippery though, I'd give him that, darting between boats and trees and finally towards higher ground until I finally seize my moment when he pauses to gather his bearings. Within seconds I'm upon him, dagger pressed to his back.

"Don't fucking move until I tell you too, or I will plunge this blade through you where you stand." Zeke's footsteps approach from my right and I can't help myself but to throw a remark towards him.

"Take your time, don't worry I've got this under control" and together we begin marching our newly acquired prisoner to the caves.

The King knew of the sea caves, but what he did not know is that traces of magic seemed to dwell inside. We approach what appears to be the back wall of the cave and simply squeeze behind the illusion into the next cave, where even the spy crow would not be watching. Only once we have reached the safety of the spiralling tunnels beyond do we stop amongst the rock.

"Face me." When he turns I recognise the merchant from the market square.

"The King has ordered me to kill you. But I might just kill you for myself after you sold me that stupid mirror. You're lucky I look this good even without seeing my reflection ." The strange young merchant having the audacity to laugh despite my dagger still aimed for this throat.

"You are quite beautiful milady, but unfortunately, staring at your own reflection is not the purpose of such an item."

"Quit playing games. Everyone knows magical items are no where to be found and if they were the King has decreed they must be handed over, not sold without trace to any one you meet." Zeke interrupts, clearly not wanting his presence to be wasted.

"Magical items can be found, or forged if one has the knowledge. But I did not sell them to just anyone, as you can see, I sold them to this fine lady." The cave suddenly feeling warmer as Zeke glares at him fiercely.

"My, my you are gentleman. Please, tell me your name?"

"The names Raurri" he bows "and whilst it has been a pleasure to engage in conversation with you, I fear I really must be getting on that boat."

Up close, I could tell Raurri was not human but half fae. His dark hair pinned to his head, and whilst he was no longer hidden by the hood, the slight point to his ears gave him away.

"Did you forget the part where we are supposed to kill you?" I laugh.

"Of course not, but why would you do such a thing when I granted you such a lovely gift?"

"Ah yes, the magical, broken mirror. What every girl dreams of"

Zeke coughs, loudly, behind me "hand over the items, you have no where to run and we may go easy on you if you do."

"I visited Akatina once, many years ago" he replies, glancing at Zeke, who stiffens at the mention of our homelands "I was just a young boy when my parents took me, and once I thought I might return there for good."

"A beautiful bonding moment this is to be, I'm sure, but we are busy people and must attend to business elsewhere. Give us your items and perhaps a finger to satisfy the King and we'll let you return there." For whilst the King had ordered us many times to kill the human and the fae, I had never killed an innocent. Not without first allowing them a chance to escape, should you they take the opportunity.

"Ah, of course, I am here for you after all" Raurri flashes me a smile "but indulge me the satisfaction of finishing my story.

I visited Akatina, guests at the palace could you believe? It was many years ago now, in more peaceful times. The princess just a small child, perhaps four or five at the time. A cute little thing, even then. She would follow me around the palace whilst I told her stories of our travels. And I promised her one day, I would find everything we had been looking for, and I would return her and serve her Kingdom, bringing a great many gifts and weapons for her disposal. Even then, you could tell she was destined for a great many things, and I was honoured to charm her."

He hands me a bag, and I glance the contents, none of which appear to harbour any magic at all.

"They are not magical" he smirks "but you can tell the King this is the contents of my stall. Just don't give him in the mirror. And this -

He pulls off a ring and presses to my hand, a golden band upon which a deep, dark blue stone perches, sparkling even in the dim light of the cave.

"Tell him you put your blade straight through my heart, and when you did, I disintegrated to ash. This is a ring of immortality for humans, forged at my own hand - this contains real magic, and I promise the King will believe you if you follow my instructions."

"But, princess, you are fool to think I had forgotten you and even more foolish to believe I don't know exactly who you are, Talia."

And with that, he vanishes in a flash of light.