Pulchra Arcanum

Part II (All is Lost)

The flurry of motion around him was lost to Leopold. He could only think of one thing. His family. They were in danger. Never before had Domum been under attack in his memory, in his parents memory. It was so well hidden, how could anyone find it? How could anyone who wanted to hurt them find it? This didnt make any sense. He turned and rushed from the room, following Jasper as he took off with instructions. Jasper! he called. Wait!

Jasper turned and clutched at Leopolds shoulders. Get mother and Emaline safe. Hide them, make sure they wont be found.

He turned and ran for his horse, leaping onto him and riding away quickly to deliver the instructions hed received. Leopold turned and ran as fast as he could. He found Emaline still at home and grabbed her arm, dragging her down the road, trying to explain what little details he knew. They raced together through the streets which were starting to fill with panicking members of Domum as word spread. They found Anora as she was leaving work, the people around her screaming the news. Her eyes were wide with fright as she saw her youngest children running toward her. She took both their hands and they ran together toward the village center to hear instructions from the king.

My people! The king called for attention, his hands raised in the air. Adina and her mother were on either side of the king, Leopold wasnt sure where the other princess was but his mind didnt rest on the thought. People of Domum, the king called when the sound quieted around him. As youve heard, our home is being approached by an army of unknown men. Please, do not be alarmed. Though the thought is bleak and we dont know why they are here, take heart. We are more able to cope with this than any other kingdom. We have so many of our people with powerful magic who can help. Please, any of you who have magic within you, please meet at the council house. The council has instructions for you. Those able men and young men who do not have magic, please meet myself and my men at the city gates. Women and children, the queen will have instructions for you. There is a place for everyone! Please, we need your courage and strength in this time. Take up arms and defend your home!

Leopold knew he had no power and did not belong with the council in this time, but he followed Emaline as she made her way there, leaving his mother in the square to listen to the queen. He pushed through the crowd, looking for the blond head he prayed would be near the council house.

He found her right at the steps of the house, the front row. He breathed a sigh of relief. Where else would she be? He tried to tell himself Megara would already be interested in protecting Domum, but he couldnt lie to himself. He knew she still felt out of place. But her spot at the front of the crowd reassured him of her goals and trust.

He pushed through the crowd to reach her side. She looked at him with wide eyes. She was breathing heavily, panicking. Leo, what do I do? she asked. Her voice was higher than normal.

Just listen to what they say, he told her. Youll be okay, Ill see you later. Just listen close and learn all you can.

Without thinking he kissed the back of her hand and ran away. The last thing he saw before turning was Adinas wide eyed stare at the interaction.

He ran to the village gates, just late enough to miss the beginning of the kings instruction. He couldnt train everyone as knights over night, but he gave tips that could be helpful, advised on weapons. He recognized Leopold standing in the crowd and used him as examples, then asked Leopold to help hand out good weapons.

As the day continued on Leopold felt his mind being stretched in two directions. He loved his home and he wanted to make sure it and his family were safe. However, he was also thinking heavily on Megaras progress. He hadnt been able to spot her from where he was all day. He didnt know what was going on. Was she being successful? Was she scared?