Soul Healer

Chapter 17 - News

>>> CHAPTER 17 <<<

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Ares starts walking faster, suppressing the urge to run. The need to be by your side makes his heart ache. Desperate he tries to calm himself.

As he walks towards the Palace he has to suppress his anger. Several people seem to have made it their mission in life to keep him away from your side. People keep on stopping him, having various questions, as the minutes tick away, his patience is running low.

Finally after over 2 hours he finally enters the Palace. Asking a Sentry he is informed you have summoned the Scouts and is currently talking to them in the War Room. His eyes has a dangerous glow as he quickly starts walking towards the War Room. Several try to delay him, but quickly step aside when they notice the look in his eyes.

Taking a calming breath he stops in front of the doors to the War Room. With a growl he orders the Sentries to let him inside. As the doors are opened, his eyes turn gentle when he hears you voice.

"He did what?", you say.

Completely relaxed you sit in deep conversation with the 5 Scouts. Animated one of the Scouts is explaining what happened when they went looking for Bane. Apparently it was quite difficult for him to get an audience with King Xluda of the Kimleen.

"Majesty, you know what a hothead he can be," one of the Scouts say laughing heartily.

Swiftly approaching Ares says, "Majesty may I join you?" With a deep bow his eyes look at you anxiously.

Seeing the ghost of a smile on your lips, as you raise your head to look at him, he wants to hold you and never let go.

"Of course take a seat. Davos is currently telling me why Bane has been delayed. It is quite entertaining."

Taking a seat next to you, he lovingly looks at you. His need to touch you is unbearable. Hesitantly he touches your hand with a gentle caress, and his heart soars when your nod. Taking a deep calming breath, he turns his attention to Davos. "Prey do continue."

"I'm sorry to say it but Bane broke close to all conduct when he requested an audience with the King. The Kimleen have always been difficult to deal with, and Banes impatient ways made the royal guards throw him in prison."

With a hearty laughter Ares says, "You have got to be kidding me. No wonder it has taken him so long."

Chuckling Davos continues, "He was locked in the dungeons for several days before one of the guards took pity on him, and told the King he was there. King Xluda wanted to know why a Centaur needed War Horses...."

With a hearty laughter Ares agrees that is a very good question.

"King Xluda demanded to know everything. they had already talked for hours when we arrived at the castle. When the Royal Guards informed him we had arrived, we where brought before him also. The King was outraged when he heard what has happened. He offers his full support against the Ceenaq. He was very insistent I told you this Majesty.
He was furious when he heard what the Ceenaq had done". Frowning Davos continues. "He can be such an odd man. Right before we took our leave, he said *An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast. A wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind."

Deep in thought you nod. "You did good Davos." Raising your hand you stop him from objecting. "Yes Bane is your General, but some times his impatience gets the better of him. He is most fortunate to call you a friend."

Beaming with pride and happiness Davos takes a deep bow. "I will go make sure all is ready to handle the War Horses if that is all Majesty?" As you nod he quickly takes his leave.

When the other Scouts have finished their raport, they take their leave with a deep bow as well.

"Have you ever met the King of the Kimleen, Ares?", you ask.

When he shakes his head, you chuckle. "You are in for quite an experience then. He is an old friend of mine. Be prepared for his arrival. He will give me hell for trying to keep him out of this mess. Do not get angry at him. Some find his straight forward attitude annoying. We are not related, but he has sworn an allegiance to me. Andros wanted him to be our ally, but he refused. Andros was furious, until he told him, that his allegiance was with me, and me alone, not our people."

"You have the most interesting friends meu corazon". Gently kissing your palm, his heart aches as you smile at him. If only he could make you see how he adores you. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he continues. "How did you meet him? From what I've been told, Xluda is not one known for his kind ways."

Removing your hand from his, you ignore the light frown of displeasure in his eyes. Pouring some wine into a glass, you place it in front of him. "He should tell you, and I'm sure he will. It's not my story to tell. A heap of warning, he is very protective of me." Ares growls furiously, making you chuckle. "I do not have that kind of feelings for him Ares. He is just a very dear friend."

Listening to you, he takes a deep breath, a smile slowly appears on his lips. His eyes growing so tender, you struggle to breathe.

With a loud squeak Istaq lands on the table, instantly making you look away from Ares. Missing the sad expression in the dark mans eyes you focus on the little dragon. With a proud expression on his tiny face the dragon starts walking back and forth in front of you. It's as if he demands you notice him.

Puzzled yet highly amused Ares looks at the tiny dragon, then his dark eyes focus on your face. His dark eyes turning a velvet soft when he hears you light laughter.

Istaq continues to prance back and forth in front of you. Confused you tilt your head and observe the tiny dragon. "What is wrong little one?", you ask.

With a loud happy squeak Istaq races towards the fruit bowl, then pics up an apple. Holding it gently between his razor-sharp teeth, he runs towards you. Releasing his hold, the apple lands on the table right in front of you. With a yip he expectantly stares at the apple and then at you.

Confused you stare at the little dragon. With another yip he makes the apple roll closer towards you. Eager emerald eyes stare at you with such a heartfelt puppy look you fight to suppress the need to laugh out loud.

"Fetch?" you ask the little dragon.

With a happy squeal he starts jumping around like a living rubber ball.

Unable to stop yourself you feel your lips curl into a big smile, and before you know it, the sound of your all out laughter chimes in the War Room.

The sound of your laughter makes the mighty warrior shiver. Never has he heard a more beautiful sound. Shivering he watches you play with the little dragon. As you continue to laugh at it's playful and unexpected behavior, he tries to control himself. With longing he continues to observe you both. He wants to hear that laughter more. He wants to see you smile, and more than anything he wants you to smile at him, not the dragon. .
Taking a firm grip on the armrest of the chair, he once again finds himself struggling. The need to touch you becoming more and more unbearable. The need to hold you seeing you smile at him makes his heart ache.

The sound of the door opening instantly brings his need to protect to the fore. With a growl he jumps to his feet, only to relax a little when he sees Alexandros enter the room.

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