For I Am Convinced

Chapter 7

For his end, Laval was doing quite well. After the incident with the king, Laval found himself sketching memories in an attempt to alleviate the pain of his past life.

Once, though, both Longtooth and the king caught him doing it. Laval had been drawing Leonitarus destroying his pictures when Longtooth tapped him and asked to see what he was up to. Laval had given them the drawing, nervous if they would destroy this one or just blow it off. Instead, they smiled, eyes tracing the design.

"Whoa, Levi. You have a gift. That's pretty good, wouldn't you say, Lagravis?"

"Indeed. You have the mark of a great artist. Did you do this often back home?"

Laval's numbly and stutter-filled answer was yes, but all his work was carelessly destroyed (he dared not mention that it wasn't good art, as Leonitarus would've wanted him to say). Longtooth's next response had been surprising.

"Hmm. I would've loved to see how far you've come in your career."

Although Laval had gotten a gentle and firm reminder of not drawing when he was on duty, it was rather refreshing and curious to know that someone was actually interested in his talents. Unlike Leonitarus.......

Laval closed his eyes and straightened up against one of the throne room doors.

A week had passed since he escaped. Had Lion-O made it out? Where was he? Was he okay? What was going on back at the manor? Did he take Helena and Scomper with him?

Footsteps trooped into the room. Laval focused again. He was Levi now and Leonitarus would never--

Son of the Scorpions!

Laval felt himself sweat from nervousness as his father figure entered the temple. He had to admit that the Lion was a lot more menacing when he entered this hallowed ground.

Laval smacked himself. What was he worried about? Leonitarus would never find him. Never!

Leonitarus entered the throne room. "My king!" He greeted as he bowed. "My men and I were ambushed by Thunderans!"

The king bolted upright, anger coursing through those golden eyes. "What?! How recent was this?! Where?!"

"Not ten minutes ago by the border to the Outlands!" Leonitarus reported. "My men were taken captive."

"We will assemble an attack party by nightfall," the king growled. "Was he with them?"

"Yes," Leonitarus answered. "Lavertus led the assault."

"Then prepare stun beams. I want him alive," the king ordered, a low growl in his throat.

"As you wish, King Lagravis." Leonitarus bowed and left the room.

Laval tilted his head in confusion (what in the name of Cavora was Thundera?) before glancing at the king, slumped against the throne. "My king, are you well?" Laval asked.

The king smiled. "I wish, Levi. Seventeen years of grief will do this to anyone."

"Perhaps I could cheer you up." Laval tentatively approached with a rolled piece of parchment in his hand. He carefully held it out as an invitation. He had never given anyone art before, so this was a new step.

The king took it and unrolled it, surprise dancing in his eyes. "Why, Levi! How long did it take you to draw this?"

Laval smiled. He'd drawn the king just as he remembered seeing him at the Speedor race: arms extended, an excited grin on his face, the way the light glinted off the armor. "Only a couple of days, my king. An afternoon to draw, another one to shade it in." He pressed the parchment into the king's hands. "It's for you."