laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Like a coppery disc, the sun tried in vain to pierce the thick, dark haze that hung about the valley and fortress within. The air heavy with burned wood and thatch hung like a pall over the home to the one who had promised his followers glory. A promise undone, thwarted by an army of men, dark elves and dwarves. Cries of ravens permeated the morning as they grew fat on the scorched bodies of nadlac left to rot in the field beyond as the remaining occupants awaited the order to return home.
She watched the gate remain ajar as she walked towards it. They had forseen this end for many generations, portents foretold by mankind's ability to destroy all he held dear, in one manner or another. It only took one to begin a chain of events that would end here in the Black Mountains. Nothing within the past eighty years had been a surprise.
Playfully bouncing, the brown locks danced as she crossed into the bailey. Long maroon dress trimmed in gold filigree and symbols had been a gift once she had reached the level of Grand Master, a title unbefitting the nine year old who now came to see to her charge.
Guards walked by and she passed between them as if existing withing two different planes, they totally unaware of their visitor who continued on towards the stone stair which rose to the keep's main door. She didn't have to use this route, but wanted to see the aftermath herself. Rumors never did history justice in her mind. Never would. Glancing to the pair of enormous golden bodies lounging to the far right, she smiled at Bronwynne's daughters now the mounts for Kailee's two friends. Heroes now coming into their own in the stead of the Chosen from long ago.
Without waiting for butler or gatekeeper, she passed through the banded, oaken door and continued on into the darker hallway beyond as voices rose with proximity from the great hall. Dark elven rejoicing had been too long in coming, songs of victory long forgotten or hidden away in dusty tomes.
Up the stairs she glided as the calm angelic face took in the previous events as if an illusory recounting of Enestius' death feared being lost to time. Kailee faced Tia and took the life of one she called sister, demonic rage consuming the life of the mentalist with little regret and some satisfation. Perhaps she was becoming too dangerous for this world after all as they had said. Being her charge's avid defender, the demi-god's behavior and personality hadn't failed her yet. Kailee loved and knew fear, unnatural for a deity. Faith had ever been elusive to the half vampire other than in her friends who had never failed that trust, even to death.
Into the quiet bedroom she moved, firelight from the woman's hair filled the interior of the four post bed and spilled out onto carpet and flagstone as she approached the slumbering queen. Petite, long fingers motioned to the dark elf now sleeping at Kailee's side to ensure the discussion was uninterrupted, then ice-blue eyes glanced to the demon as Kailee stirred, then turned over to face her.

"Hello," the child-like voice greeted. "It's good to see you again."

Recognizing her visitor, Kailee sat up, golden eyes widened. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to see to you. Now that your task is done, they wish you to come home to us," she announced as her lean body rose into a sitting position and rested atop the red cushioned seat of her mahogany chair which appeared as if from thought.

"No. I'm not going," Kailee stated emphatically. "There's still too much to do here. Besides, he was replaced, right?"

"For the time being," she nodded. "Only until you claim your rightful place."

Bronze hands rested atop her strong thighs as Kailee sighed. "Who exactly are 'they'? You've mentioned them before and this whole persistant attitude that I want to leave my friends is getting annoying."

She could sense the emotions rise in the gorgeous frame glaring at her, smooth face and flowing fiery hair seemed to accentuate her mood. "They are your true parents. Your creation was for one purpose only and that was to replace the failing reign of a madman whose only care was to sate the hole in his soul with death. You're not like him in any respect which is to your own benefit and credit. They only gave you the tools to survive this life and learn before you came home."

Kailee grinned, "So, you're telling me that this whole charade was for my benefit? That I had to watch those I've loved die for no other reason than to educate me on how hard life can be? That's idiotic."

"No," hands rose in defense. "Those people gave their lives for their own reasons, some for love of you and to protect you, that's true. But, that was not your creator's wishes. People live by choice, not fate. Search your soul and you'll know I speak the truth. Trust me when I say that they never wished to see you cry. They're not heavy-handed taskmasters who feel only hardship could raise one to rule over a plane."

"I don't know anything about them," Kailee motioned upward. "I'll not leave my friends behind to be separated from them forever. I can't," her voice trailed off.

She grinned sympathetically, understanding how Kailee felt. "A part of you enjoyed the beauty of Nurmes when you stayed there. And it's not that separated from them as you may think. You'll be able to see everyone who's gone on," she leaned forward to accentuate her point. "Everyone."

Golden eyes remained fixed on her for a long moment and she could almost see the woman's thoughts as they flashed to Duke William, Anita, Bianka, Sceva and many others. "I've just been given a great responsibility and I can't abandon them now."

"I wasn't here to take you home now. I just wanted to secure your commitment that you'll take that place once the rest have gone on and peace is secured to Warwick and Wroclaw. Many left behind will take up your mantle and continue on, I promise."

Kailee sighed, then nodded reluctantly. "And I was afraid that eternity would be spent here alone."

"You've never been alone, nor will you." Mentally concentrating, she stood as the beautifully carved chair disappeared and she stepped forward. Placing a hand on Kailee's arm, she smiled. "I'll see you soon."