Autumn's Fall

VII. The Calling of the Ministers

Morning dawned, and it was not a pleasant morning for either of the Ministers still left in the tower. They were awakened at the same moment by the same sharp pain in their chests. The pull had reached its zenith. The time had come for them to prepare to leave their tower.

"Do you think it'll be much longer?"

The Minister of Spring looked up from sharpening his sword, "I'd give it a day, maybe two, no more than that. My plants are frayed and all but spent. They will not hold on for much longer."

The Minister of Summer grunted as he tied on his sword, "Have the water jugs been filled yet?"

"No, and I still need to fetch the vessel."

The Minister of Summer put a hand to his heart as he felt a twinge, "I'll get the servants working on those; I'll fetch the vessel."

"Thanks."

The vessel was made of a light, silvery metal, the same material as their cups, and large enough for them to lay their swords in with room to spare. Hopefully it wouldn't be needed, but if this fight was anything like their last, they would.

The Ministers' support team was set to work filling up large jugs from the fountain which mysteriously never got any lower. These select few servants would be coming with them. They were an important aid in the field of battle, able to defend themselves and give advice. They would undoubtedly need them.

Returning with the vessel, the Minister of Summer found his friend holding Autumn's cup in his hand, "Is now the time for reminiscing?"

The Minister of Spring put it away with a jerk, "Sorry, got caught up in the moment I suppose." He put a hand to his shaking head, his voice strained, "This is really happening yet again. After all this time, do you think it'll be any different?"

"Who knows? We're down a body."

"The Minister of Winter didn't fight last time, and we survived!"

The Minister of Summer set down his vessel and pointed at his friend, "Only because you wouldn't let her!"

"I did not, and do not, feel it right to let her fight with us."

"The elder or the younger?"

"Both." He sighed, "She was becoming fragile...And the new one is so young and naive...I just do not think it would be right for her to risk her life when she has no idea what she's getting into. Besides, she'd just be a liability to us and probably get hurt, maybe even worse."

"But she doesn't have any choice." A look of hope spread across the Minister of Summer's face, "Perhaps our dear Winter will show up there! If she's alive, she shouldn't be able to resist coming."

"That would be the worst possible thing that could happen!" The Minister of Spring hands began to tremble as he rose to his feet. His pupils grew small in his paling face as he turned towards his friend, "She's much much too young and inexperienced for her to be there, let alone fight with us. I want her nowhere near that place. How could you even speak of such a thing?!"

The Minister of Summer was surprised by this outburst from his friend, what shocked him the most was it was not rage, but fear, that shone out of his friend's eyes. "Alright, calm down! I know how you feel about her safety. It isn't your fault that she's missing. And, despite your protests, I'd still say it'd be better for us to know her whereabouts, even if it's where you'd least like her to be. You know that the worst possible thing would be if she doesn't show up before winter arrives."

"We'll find her before then, I know we will."

"Another dream?"

The Minister of Spring sadly shook his head, "No, just a feeling in my heart."

"Let's hope it's as right as your dreams."

A servant appeared in the doorway with a respectful bow, "Everything is prepared. We are ready to start."

The Ministers eyed each other grimly; the time had come. Autumn's Fall was calling, and they must answer.

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Augh...life. Wow. Quite the interesting, hectic, and full week for me. Still no internet at home and I've hardly got anything unpacked.

Thank you everyone for your patience, I appreciate all of you and bestow an internet cookie of awesomeness upon you. If only you could eat it.

Also, yay! The Ministers again, they haven't fallen off the face of the earth!