ARYSARNIA

THYESEUS DAY 2

The dwarves shoved him out of the throne room into the corridors of the castle upon Ardal's command not to harm him. He staggered to his feet. He was bleeding from a stubbed toe but he took no notice and trudged down the corridor with the same dull countenance, he made it to the kitchen and stared at the cooks as they went about their duties. Most of the workers in the palace now were the lucky survivors from Crysonar; among them was Abigail. She saw the ragged man and she beckoned to him with her ladle. He dragged himself to her side with his head bowed.

"You do strike up memories of a handsome young soldier I once knew, he was in far better shape," she remarked sharply.

A passing guard boomed at her to get back to work. Quickly shoving a piece of pastry into his hand, she went back to her work; he turned away and moved off.

Astinux gratefully nibbled on it as he moved aimlessly through the corridors, nobody noticed him, and nobody cared.

He huddled between two pillars of the castle and sat unmoving. Soon Ardal passed by and he scurried after him. When Ardal got to his chamber, he followed him inside.

"Don't look at me like that Astinux; I know what you want to say"

Ardal went to stand by his bed and started to undress. "You know, Cariman and Spike deserved what happened to them; they destroyed my mother's life and mine. Sorry Astinux, but I had to do this to them, to all of you..." He jumped onto the bed. 

Astinux smiled sheepishly, his beautiful green eyes were now tainted, and a hazy grey; his pale complexion now looked sickly.

"I'll rather have you like this than not to have you by my side at all... you are the only one who reminds me, that I am still human. The only one left I can talk to without the judgment".

Astinux rushed to sit beside him on the floor and smiled up at Ardal. Ardal smiled back.

"Get up and eat with me my friend" he motioned to the tray of food left by the maidens for him. Astinux in turn grabbed a pair of bananas to eat. "You really did like Crysarnia, didn't you? I am sorry she had to die. I will find you a nice girl from the city...the servant boy who comes to wait on me, can you get him for me? Tell him to bring me some wine"
Astinux shot up.
"Wait!" he called, "please don't be mad- he'll be the last one"
Astinux nodded and left the chamber. He came back shortly with a new serving boy who came in holding a quivering tray with a jug of wine and a goblet. "Lock the door Astinux, and turn away," Ardal said.

Astinux did as told.

"Come here boy," Ardal commanded, the boy went to him with uncertain steps and bowed.

"Y-yes your hi-high" his throat was blocked and he could not bring himself to complete his sentence.

"Drop them and take of your clothes" Ardal said.

The boy started to undress without question. He took off his cotton shirt and everything he wore to stand before Ardal in stark nudity. Ardal took the boy by his arms and drew him closer staring into the boys eyes with a longing. "Promise me you wont run and I shall be be gentle and it will be over before you know it. Ardal then transformed into a wailer but still possessing his human  form like Alaidalene whenever she is on the hunt.  The terrified boy did not make it to the door when he was gouged from behind by Ardal and dragged across the floor to the bed and devoured  to bones. The tattered sheets of the bed was a horrific sight of blood and shreds of flesh. Astinux still stood motioneless during the horrid event and after when Ardal approached him he turned around to see his master, who was now human.

"I will never hurt you Astinux, I promise" Ardal said reassuringly.

Astinux nodded.

After the fugitives had landed in the outskirts of Crystalia, had waited to enter at nightfall. It was easier to sneak past the night patrols after the curfew due to the sudden downpour of rain with Tikan and Barsithe in their disguises. They got to the closest house and took shelter in the porch from the rain. in the corner by the entrance two children were huddled into each other asleep  from apparent exhaustion. Tikan tapped on the door - the peep hole in the door soon creaked open.