Chapter 11: The Demon's Reign: Start

"Think he's gonna be all right, Harald?"

"Mhm."

"Harald?" Sol was worried about his friend's condition, for he seemed listless. "Still..worried about your brother?"

Silence. Just the creaking of Sol rocking his chair filled the silence.

Sol watched the twin stare forlornly off into the distance. He had been quiet altogether, but Sol could almost see gears turning in his head, plotting the path needed to be taken.

Harald was desperate. Desperate to find his brother.

Wheels of fate or not, the plans were set in motion, and Sol knew there were going to be collisions on the way.

At that moment, Kriel came down the stairs.

"You're about as helpful as an adder!" The twin was in the process of arguing with the seething king, who finally lashed out at the last toss.

BAM

The fist collided with such force that Harald was thrown onto his back.

"Ah, ah, Harald!"As Sol stepped down to help up his friend, the twin spat out some blood, and glared at Kriel, who rubbed his knuckles.

"Need another beating?" the king snarled, for he had lost all sympathy. Then, at the moment, a pair of arms grabbed, or rather, clung onto him from behind.

Kriel considerably stiffened and turned to face a pale girl with chestnut hair. "Marie..." before he trailed off, as if in wonderment, and walked away from the scene.

"Lady!" Sol scrambled to his feet as Harald stared at the girl in confusion. The he also jumped up and mimicked Sol's bowing position.

"Who is she?" he furiously whispered.

"Don't you ever know? It's the ki- Kriel's sister. Younger sister. She can't talk for some reason."

Rubbing his bruised jaw, Harald just grimaced. "Maybe it's because her older brother is such a scary guy. Ah, but a fine lady needs some flattering."

Sol just sighed.

"Ouch!" was the cry that rang across the open garden.

As Marie applied salve to Harald's bruised jaw, Kriel crept under a tree.

He did not think there was a need to apologize, and decided to keep out of sight until the matter was taken care of.

Kriel, as he leaned against the rough bark of the tree, watched the twin grin ruefully at Marie, who gave a shy smile in return. Sol had somehow acquired some paper from somewhere and was now sketching either the two or the scenery of the garden; Kriel couldn't tell.

There was a slight pang of envy though, resounding in his heart, that the twin had some skill to make Marie smile, even just a bit. The noble felt, with some resentment, that he could not do the same. All he caused was misery.

Keeping away, Kriel wouldn't cause damage. He wouldn't be able to be a symbol of devastation, a constant reminder of the lost. He knew Harald despised him for his meddlesome plans that caused the loss of his brother. Maybe his sister also despised too for that faithful day.

Not that Kriel would ever know. She never spoke to the distressed noble.

Kriel, lost in those thoughts, didn't notice that Sol had glimpsed him. Sol stood up and walked over, carrying the sketch.

"Hey." he said, startling the absorbed figure.

"Why stand here? You'll be much better company if you join us, rather than lurk around." Kriel shrugged, a look of uncaring inscribed on his face.

"Not very good company, I am."

Sol just held out a hand. "Quite yet to be proven, I daresay. And your sister would probably much more cheerful. Oh, and maybe you'll want this." Handing over his sketch, Sol then turned around and walked back to the two, who were looking at Kriel.

Harald then waved and called. "My apologies and ignore what I said. Come join us?"

Kriel was hesitant, but he ended up walking over to the three.

"Hrrrm." Harald stared out the tall arched window. "Looks like our king left." The two squires had overslept and missed Kriel's departure.

"You could always, well, stalk him." The duke, Javer, noted with amusement.

"Great idea!" The twin leapt off the window seat and grabbed Sol's arm. "Comon! We're following him!"

Javer chuckled as the two ran down the stairs, and smiled a bit. "Looks like our child has finally gotten some good comrades, Faleboro?"

"Dear, it seems so." The lady stood up and brushed off her dress. "I'll see if I can gather some supplies and such for them."

"Don't forget the package from our old silver guardian," the duke called after his wife.

"That's..."
"Something I have foreseen." Kriel said grimly. "But I did not expect it to be this early..Proditus seems to have gained some power...but what? I do not know."
Harald rose, determined. "Then Jarald could be in danger! And Seriya! Silvyren! Everyone else! We need to rescue them!"
Kriel sighed. "Our small group is not enough...and I don't want to risk Duke Javer. The other Dukes and Duchesses are probably not going to show their support to a fallen king.."
"Then, what other options are there? Cowardice?"
"Harald!" Sol sprang up to apologize for the unheeded insult. "He's-"
"Don't worry about it. I can understand." cut in Kriel, "Well, there's only one thing. We ride to Norehound."

(And Harald and Sol stalked Kriel with the whole story starting/picking up from this point. Da beginning.)

Chapter 11.5: The Demon's Reign: Start

Kriel woke up to dancing, colorful lights pouring through a stained glass window.

Where...

Then he panicked.

No, they couldn't have possibly seen that...

"Ah, Krielein. About time you woke up, dear." The warm voice of his aunt, Lady Faleboro, and the smell of rosewood and lavender calmed him. There was still the nagging suspicions though.

"Aunt, did..?" His slip of regal speech showed he was still a bit worried.

Faleboro chuckled, bringing over a cup of milk tea. "Of course not, my lovely child. I did promise your mother, and most importantly, you." She clucked. "I may be old, but I'm not forgetful of my promises."

"Mistress, you're not old." The lady shook her head, silver-black locks of hair tumbling, and smiled.

"Ah, I can feel it in my bones. Your uncle, well, let's say his humor hasn't improved. Ge liah." she added, in Alosian tongue, "and your company is keeping heat at the dining table. The lad was worried, as well as the daughter."

Kriel looked around. "Uh, mistress, do you have...?"

Faleboro chuckled and handed Kriel a worn black shirt, as well as faded grey baggy pants, with an indescribable symbol decorating one leg.

"Mistress, you always have everything ready."

Jarald was leaning on the velvet chair he was sitting on, crossing his arms as he went on watching Seriya stuff herself with all the fruit she could eat. Figs, grapes, apples, as well as exotic fruits all went down her throat.

"I like fru-tsu." Seriya cut him off before he voiced his thoughts.

The squire raised an eyebrow, which quickly turned into an impassive face as Kriel trotted down the stone staircase in the corner of the dining room.

"Hey." was all he greeted.

"Is Kriel-kun feeling better now?" Seriya asked, toying with a strawberry.

Kriel shrugged, casting an indecipherable glance over the stone faced Jarald. "I suppose so. Lady Faleboro works wonders with healing. Enjoying the fruit?" he asked in return, delicately plucking a grape from the plump bunches. The girl watched mesmerized, as Kriel unconsciously peeled the purple skin into a flower shape, split the meat into four parts, and popped it into his mouth.

"Hm?" said Kriel, when he caught Seriya staring at him.

"You eat funny."

"Or maybe he's just showing off." The annoyed voice of Jarald cut through.

Icy silence, dense as the air before a storm, hung in the room. Even Seriya was nervous to slice the cold quiet between the two.

"..Whatever." Kriel stalked off.

Jarald just resumed leaning in his chair, as Seriya drew her eyes towards Kriel.

"Jarald?"

"If it's gonna be about the bloody king, I don't give a damn."

"..Can we follows him and saw where he goes?"

The squire almost toppled.

"Why not?" he grunted.

"Who's that?" hissed Seriya, almost leaning further to get a better look.

"I dunn- careful Seriya!" Jarald watched Kriel greet a young girl, with fair skin and chestnut hair. Her sapphire eyes seemed to reflect despondency, and as Kriel held out a hand, she avoided viewing his face and clasped it.

"Ooo, maybe it's a lover?"

Jarald almost choked, silently laughing as he recalled a "romance" scene performed several times by a knight in love.

"Well, unlikely that he'll get a fiancée, too much of a undecided lad, mates."

The mortal feeling of terror almost resulted into the two shrieking in fear. Amongst the short chapter of chaos, Kriel and the girl had disappeared.

"Curiosity, my friends?" Duke Javer raised an eyebrow in mock teasing.

"It was Jarald's fault!"

"What?"

Duke Javer just chuckled. "Well, to satisfy your appetite, that's his lovely, delicate sister. Ah, but by some reason, she's mute. Won't talk. Krielin feels as if it's his fault and taken upon himself that she gets better. Ah, it torments him so..." With that, the man waltzed off, leaving Seriya and Jarald in respectable silence.

"What do you think Kriel did?"

"Did?" Jarald shrugged. "Dunno maybe, something horrendous? Like killing something?"

"Jaaa-rald." Seriya hugged herself a bit. "Don't say that. Make me sick."

"Can't think of anything else."

"Still wanna follow?" Seriya gestured down the hall.

The squire hesitated a moment. "Sure..."

"Marie..."

Soft silence covered Kriel and Marie like a cloud. She just grasped his hand tightly.

"Does the Duke and his Lady treat you well?" he inquired, and Marie nodded. Her deep blue eyes were misty, like a veil of rain covering her window to the world.

"I'm going to go away for a while, sister." There was a pause. "And maybe...I'll find something to make you happy again."

Her head tilted, Marie looked up with worry at the world 'away'. She clung with both hands to Kriel's right hand, as if desperate for him to stay.

"I can't stay here..I don't want you three to be in danger..." Kriel choked a bit, feeling warmth rise to his eyes. He shook his head and patted his besotted sister. "Don't worry, I'll be back...and maybe with something to free you from the cage." He awkwardly hugged her. She just closed her eyes and wept silently against the king's shirt.

"I'll be fine. I promise."

Kriel then looked around. "And..you guys, can you stop lurking?" His voice was chilling, cold fury embedded. Marie looked up in surprise as Seriya and Jarald appeared behind a pillar.

"Observant, are you." Jarald offered no indication of what he had seen. Seriya hung her head, abashed at her spying.

"It's easy to catch when you two are clumsy." Kriel folded his arms and gazed furiously at the two. "I don't need any meddling."

Marie tugged on Kriel's shirt.

"..Hrm." The king just sighed. "Well, this is Marie, my sister. She's..."

"Mute." Jarald's voice echoed.

"Yeah."

An awkward silence held in the air. Marie tugged again and pointed at the unknown twin and girl.

Seriya looked up, and grinned nervously. "I'm Seriya, and this is Jarald! He's a bit grumpy and scary, but he's actually nice." An intimidating stare from the twin shut her up, however.

"We're not friends, Marie, if you're wondering." Kriel said scathingly, obviously infuriated by the two's presence.

"We're...we're sorry Kriel san." The whispers of Seriya was barely heard as she began to be feeling bad about following Kriel and was close to tears. "It-it's my fault, I wanted to.."

"Actually, I was curious about what kind of 'activities' you did behind our backs, so I made Seriya follow." Jarald cut in before Seriya could sob. The girl just hid behind the twin, more miserable than ever. She knew something bad was going to happen.

"Great way to show trust, huh."

"It's your fault I lost Harald," Jarald spat, "your fault we got in trouble. Your fault that we're on the run. And see, it's your fault that your sister is silent, isn't it? You're just someone who cause grievances, some who causes-"

Thrawck. Kriel socked Jarald in the stomach, who recoiled in pain.

"Jarald!" Seriya tried to help the toppling twin, who pushed her away.

He breathed heavily, as the last words came out.

"You're just a curse to everyone, an infliction of misery."

Kriel, rigid, clenched fists, wanted to kill him. Kill the guy who told the truth that he'd had believed in.

He's right, you know? A mocking voice tormented his thoughts. You always cause pain, and can't even help your sister. You didn't protect her, you-

"STOP IT!" The scream tore from his mouth, and he ran, far far away from the problem, through a blur of white and blue, away from the voice.

But he couldn't run from the maddening guilt and the misery of being unable to help the one he loved.

He never could erase that memory, much less rid the shock of his sister.

It haunted him for so long, and so much. Hating the fact that he was powerless to do anything, unable to turn back that fateful day, and now he had also put someone else's life in the danger he should have seen.

It was true. He, himself, just caused misery.

But the king was still powerful.

He could get revenge on whoever had destroyed the castle and captured the twin. And maybe, just maybe, he could make Marie laugh again. Somehow, someway, just to hear her voice again.

The flames would keep him going.

Of vengeance and hope.

The day signaled a good day.

The skies were blue, cloudless, birds chirping in the concealing forest. Very few people knew of the exact location of Duke Javer's mansion. His 'other' one was just a decoy, for the Duke always believed that some strange creatures would attack them.

"They will descend on us from the night sky," he would whisper, eerily, " and destroy and take over our world as we know it. Even the Council would be hapless."

Faleboro would often remark in mock scolding. "It seems that the Council is good at keeping those creatures from us in the first place." The Duke would just chuckle and warn Kriel and Marie to watch out for 'odd beings'.

But today wasn't a day of high spirits. Even Duke Javer, whose usual child-like personality melted into grave concern.

"You..sure you want do to this, child?" He watched as Kriel saddled Epona, who was weighed down slightly with an odd assortment of supplies.

"Mhmm." The king-turned fugitive mounted Epona. "And, if I stay here, there's bound to be trouble."

"Well, child, if you ever find the need for safety, we're here." Faleboro smiled sadly. "And..you're leaving the two behind?"

Kriel shrugged in an almost casual way. "I need no help from them, and they'll just drag the trip down. And, well, we're not on good conditions, my lady." The Lady's eye raised a bit at statement, but made no speech to comment on it.

Duke Javer handed Kriel something. "It's a note," he explained, "for if you ever stop by Norehound, talk to Chief Xercendra. Norehound is a good place for, ah, help."

Kriel bowed as well as he could on Epona. "I am deeply in your debt, Duke." But all the Duke did was pat his head and laugh.

"We're family, child. Family don't owe debts to each other. If they did, the world would be one complicated place. Well, actually, it already is." he chuckled.

The king languidly smiled. "Ah, yes, it is..."

It had been about three hours since Kriel set out.

And he had to admit he was lost.

"Peruse's teasing, haven't been here in a while..." It was unsettling being lost in the deeper area of the woods, and becoming slightly harder for the king to fight off panic.

Then there was a crash. And a swear. "Revior's curse."

Kriel hated his luck.

"I'm coming." The third time. The third response. Kriel just gave up arguing.

Besides, he needed someone wise in the ways of traveling.

"Do as you wish."

"I will." The fugitive's irritation sparked a bit at Jarald's snide response. He massaged his nerves, and paced. Wondering if he was going to go mad from such a companion like this.

"Kriel, I mean, uh Lord?" Seriya was feeling uncomfortable in the tension between Jarald and Kriel.

Kriel just smiled grimly. "I'm not a 'Lord' anymore, Seriya. Proditus has taken over, it seems. And is out for our captures."

Chapter 10.5: The Demon's Reign: Destruction

Jarald and Kriel woke up in a panic as the cries of "Fire!" rang along the hall. The two stumbled out of bed, and Jarald raced off along the corridor.

"Jarald!" Kriel scampered after him in the smoky, choking air.

"We gotta find Harald!"

"Room's left, quickly!"

The two did come upon Kriel's room, but it was wrecked. The door hung awkwardly on the hinges, and inside, papers and books were scattered across the floor, decorated with splatters of ink and shards of gleaming glass. Shevles were toppled over and the desk was broken into long slivers. You could barely see the red rug under the disarray.

"What..." The twin was taken aback.

Kriel grimly picked up one of the books. "Someone's been here before us."

"Does that mean they know about the.."

"Possibly..or they were after my life or something." Kriel weighed the options. "But they probably knew about it since they most likely took him alive or such.."

"We have to search for Harald!" Jarald was about to dash out the door when Kriel grabbed him by his shirt.

"No, it's too dangerous. And if they did take him prisoner, they'll be long gone by now. We have to help the others who are here."

"But-"

"Rather leave them to die then? Fine." Kriel felt he put it too harshly, but Jarald grudgingly agreed to help without seeming to take offense.

The king himself wanted to bolt in panic, for it was his fault that the twin disappeared.

A lot of people seemed to avoid Jarald's help, mostly the squires. He just shrugged and moved onto the next person, but always keeping an eye out for a hint, a glimpse, anything of Harald, face impassive, yet eyes worried.

Kriel almost felt bad for him.

Jarald always seemed a bit lonely. But.. Kriel shook his head. That's because he's a jerk.

Sometimes though, it looked like a shell of protection.

Who would be insane to dive back inside a burning building? Kriel did, of course.

"The young lad is doomed. May Frieti take his life without hurt."

Jarald couldn't understand it. Why would such a stuck-up like the king would dash inside a collapsing building just for a sake of a life?

Stupid, stupid. Such foolishness. But the courage must have been great.

He couldn't just pace there, going slowly insane with waiting.

But he couldn't go after him either.

What was he supposed to do?

Seconds trickled, minutes ticked.

Jarald just gave up. There would be no one alive in the flames.

But to the amazement of him and the crowd, a figure staggered out of the orange sea, badly burnt, holding two persons.

Silvyren had been double checking for survivors and tripped over Kriel and a servant girl.

Somehow, he had managed to find a pathway out of the flames. The trio was taken to the hastily set up hospital tent. Jarald pondered whether or not to follow them, but decided not to. No good looking like a sore thumb sitting next to people he didn't really like. Thinking about that gave him a pang of pain for Harald, and brushed off tears which were about to fall. Crying made him feel weak, insecure, and he couldn't afford to shed tears, which meant that he was giving up on his brother. Harald is still alive, a hope, something to cling on. The twin trotted off towards to shadows near the woods, when he ran into someone.

"Urk." A strong hand grabbed his shoulder.

"Are you Jarald Adau?" Emotionless black eyes with traces of danger stared down at him.

This wasn't a time for truths.

"I'm..Bruvoski...Bruvoski Cer." His enemy's name was the first to pop into his head, as he avoided the guard's gaze. His chin was roughly jerked up as the guard examined his face.

"Master told me that the twins are the only ones with cerulean eyes and brown hair."

Ravior's curse, Jarald thought, as he rammed the guard on his leg. It gave the expected result; for him to regain his buckling balance he had to let go of the twin's shoulder. Unfortunately, he was wearing armor, and Jarald felt agonizing pain from his left leg. There was to be a big bruise later as well.

Jarald limped, then dashed for the forest, groaning as his leg protested against the strain. He could hear the guard racing after him, so the twin changed course and headed back to camp, back-tracking his footsteps in order to mislead the man.

The crashing through the woods faded off into the distance as the twin staggered back to camp and ran into Sol.

"Jarald! Hurry, follow me."

"What?" He tried to, but his leg finally gave up and he buckled.

"Jarald?" Sol questioned. "Uh..need some help?"

"No...ugh, yes, stupid leg." Sol supported Jarald as they limped along towards what the twin figured was the stables.

"What happened?"

"Ran into a guard, slammed my leg into his, but he was wearing armor and I think I hurt it."

"Guard..well, uh, there's people after you and the lord."

"Figures." Jarald muttered. Perspiration broke out as he struggled to walk quicker.

Sol hesitated. "Uhm, Silvyren said that, well, you guys need to flee."

"What!?" Indignation and fury raged. "He knows I'm not gonna leave Harald behind!"

"Ah, but you will need to..sorry Adau..." Silvyren stepped out from the stable. "Besides, you're more...worth to your brother alive than dead. Free instead of captured..." the man trailed off, a bit hesitant.

"You think he's dead."

"There might be a chance..." and winced as Jarald hit him.

"No way, no way he could have perished." Silvyren rubbed his newly healed skin, still tender and subjective to easy injury, while gazing forlornly at Jarald, who had grim look of determination.

"Yes...so this is why you need to escape."

"No."

"You will go." This time, Silvyren's voice was icy cold and strict. "Otherwise, I will tie you up and send you off myself if I have to. Which would you prefer?"

Jarald was silent.

"Silvyren!" Seriya was carrying Kriel, who still retained burns from the fire.

"Ah, good timing." Kriel was barely conscious, only groaning when Seriya placed him on his horse, not exactly that gently.

"Seriya, sling this on. And you're riding with Kriel. Make sure he doesn't fall off..and please, be a bit more careful?" He winced as Seriya shoved Kriel to prevent him falling off.

"Sorry Silvyren!" The girl accepted an oddly shaped bundle and slung it on Epona, who shifted a bit uncomfortably. She then saddled the horse and awaited further orders.

"Jarald..."

The squire sighed. "..fine. But you can't bar me from looking for him." He mounted the second animal.

Silvyren smiled a bit sadly. "Nope. And, I'll keep an eye out too. Sol, I guess you ride with Jarald."

Sol silently climbed up behind Jarald, who shifted a bit. It felt a bit awkward for Jarald to be with Sol when his brother wasn't around. Thinking about it, Jarald didn't really know Sol very well.

The Knightmaster saluted them. "I guess they'll be here soon..." he muttered under his breath, wary, and glancing around. "You best leave now.."

BAM! The door was kicked open, and Jarald's horse took off in fright.

"Go now!" Epona whinnied and chased after the receding horse, and almost crushed a tumbling Sol.

"Sol!" Jarald could hear Seriya yell, as the figure on the ground stood up and brushed himself off.

"I'm staying behind!" he yelled, voice determined, "'cause I need to stay for-"

The words were cut off as the trio thundered into the night, leaving the chaotic scene behind them.

Notes:

Oh God, this is the worst writing so far.

I kept having blocks and..yeah.

Uh, I don't think I have anything to say.

Chapter 10: The Demon's Reign: Destruction

It was dark, pitch black when Kriel was shaken awake. The smell of smoke assaulted his nostrils as Harald grabbed his hand.

"Come on! Something's up!" The king stumbled sleepily after Harald as they rushed to see what was happening.

Smoke covered them like a soft blanket, intent on choking them to death. The castle was on fire, and Kriel was fuming.

"Who did this?! I'm going to hang them!"

"Kriel! Which way is your room?" Harald wore a panicky expression, and the king recalled that he was not the king, but merely acting as a knight.

"Jarald!" He dashed off, with the twin following close behind.

The door was torn off the hinges, and the room was a mess. Books were scattered along the floor and ink was split on the now darkened rug. Dresser and shelves were toppled over another. But there was no sign of the squire.

"Jarald!" Harald fruitless tried to pick among the wreckage.

"He's not gonna be here." Coughing, tears falling, Kriel covered his mouth and nose from the smoke. "We have to get out, now!"

"But, Jar-"

"We don't know where he is! And if this place falls down on us, what's our death worth to him?" Kriel's heart tore at the thought of abandoning anyone in the castle, and Jarald to an unknown enemy. He scrambled over the bookshelves, grabbed some dusty books from a box, and a scroll from the floor.

"Come on! We have to help anyone who's not awake or left behind!" The heat was rising steadily, and dragged Harald out the door. He first resisted, but grudgingly chased after Kriel, but was on the lookout for anyone who looked like his twin. The two pounded on doors, and helped others carry out the ones unconscious from all the smoke. But pretty soon, rescue would have to halt, for the flames reached the rooms and the hall. It consumed everything in its path, red hot, a hungry beast devouring the remains of a huge prey.

Kriel and Harald were helping two younger squires when one of them tugged on Kriel's shirt.

"The-there's ano-another person stuck-" He broke into a flurry of coughing as he was handed to helping hands. "No, ple-please help- kitchen-" The coughing cut off his words as he struggled. But Kriel had understood and rushed into the flames.

"Kriel!" Others tried to hold back the twin, but he plunged into the fire as well.

"They're done for..." one moaned, everyone watching as the orange flames consumed the door.

Kriel was heaving as he struggled for the kitchen. Harald soon caught up with him, and the two surveyed their surroundings.

But there was no sign of a human presence.

"Kriel! We have to go back." Harald's words were choked off as he inhaled the smoky air. Coughing, he tried to drag the king back.

"Look! There's-" Kriel too started to wheeze and cough, but he jogged towards the small figure. A servant girl huddled near the stone oven, choking on the deadly air. She let herself get picked up without resistance.

Kriel crawled back to Harald, who barely hung on. The king covered the other two's mouths as he drew out the scroll, yet to be burned by the fire.

"Ra-" and gasped, as the smoke overwhelmed him for a second. "Rafera!"

They were surrounded by a thin bubble of water which held back the hungry flames while purifying the air.

Kriel staggered as he tried to stand up. His energy was low, and it wouldn't be very long until he and the spell both collapsed.

"For the love of Irenavor. Harald. Wake up!"

The twin heaved himself to the feet, and helped carry the kitchen girl back to the door.

The door was just a vortex of flame.

Oh, Irenavor, please left myself have enough...

"Harald. Hold her. On the count of three, run though the flames. You'll be okay. One, two.."

"But-"

"Three!"

Harald left Kriel to the raging flames. There, to the crowd outside's amazement, burst through the door and collapsed.

He tried to tell them that, Kriel was still back there, just outside the door, the king still needed help...

Who was barely conscious on the floor, the stifling air covering him like a hot blanket.

I'm so sorry Marie... And lost that thread of life.

The twin jerked awake from sleep and found himself in a tent.

"Kriel!" was the first thing that tore out of his mouth, the first worry to go through his head.

"Shush, Harald. He's all right." Rough but gentle hands patted his back, and Harald looked up to see Silvyren, burned and blackened, but smiling.

"And Jarald?" Harald hoped, hoped he was all right too, but the hope fled like a fleeing deer and a sickening feeling wrenched his stomach.

Silvyren sighed, unwilling to be the one to pass on the news. "Jarald...well, I looked for him, and there was no sign. He just, vanished. Or maybe even perished.."

"Don't say that."

The Knightmaster looked down in defeat, and saw a calm smile on the squire's face. But his hands were trembling and his voice had a slight edge of hysteria to it.

"There's just no possible way..Jarald wouldn't die without telling me, right? There's no possible way.. Right, Knightmaster? Tell me, am I right?"

All the man could do was sigh. "I guess, there could be a chance..that he's alive.."Silvyren wanted to shake Harald out of his state, tell him that he would need to accept anything that happened, instead of clinging to false hopes...but it had been a long night, and dropping such a burden on someone who didn't want to believe..well, it would produce even more horrid results. But the Knightmaster hated himself more for seeing that look of relief, a look that would turn into despair-and he, a grown man couldn't bear it, never could, see others' pain, had to walk out of the tent and leave Harald alone.

He resolved to be the first to look for the twin. And be either the hero or the hated liar.

Kriel groaned as the world came to -and burning pain. Luckily, they hadn't treated him yet or the burns wouldn't hurt this much, and his clothes were pretty much intact, with a few burnt holes in the sleeves. Carefully, making sure not to attract the nurse's attention, he crawled off the cot Kriel had been on. Every step was agony, and the king had to grit his teeth in order to not let a sound escape. Laboriously, he began crawling towards the tent flap, with an occasional roll under a cot in order to avoid the nurse. The rolls were excruciating pain, with his shirt chafing his raw skin. It took a lot of concentration to not pass out underneath the beds.

Finally though, he reached the cool air of the night. Striving to stand on his feet, Kriel made his way towards the dark, safe forest.

Finally, the weary lad slumped against a tree, then winced and regretted doing so, for his wounds resounded with pain from the collision against the tree's rough bark, and even against the soft, mossy ground. He clenched his teeth and a long, low groan escaped his mouth.

Kriel then proceeded to try to heal the burns on his arms and legs, but the energy escaped him. He had never actually practiced the arts of healing magic, and also seemed did not fit the pattern for it. It took ages just to erase a single wound, and consumed so much of his little remaining energy that he almost passed out again.

Kriel almost nodded off despite the pain, for the forest was a cool, comforting place, even during the night.

He didn't expect anything to find him, much less Sol of all people.

"Kriel!" And Sol had to step back, for him shaking the king caused a wave of torment that passed through Kriel, making him retch.

"So-sorry..."

"Ugh..."

"But-but you have to get away now! With Harald!" But the words were lost on the pained, fuzzy mind of Kriel, so against all warning signs, Sol dragged him upright.

"..Leave me alone.." he moaned, as another wave of fire shook him. But Sol just slung on of his arms over the squire's shoulder, and the two began a laborious walk to the stables.

It wasn't really taken, but Sol began explaining reasons. "Si-silvyren ran into these gu-guards," Sol huffed, "and they were lo-looking for Harald and Ja-jarald, but I think they knew it was you. The-they blamed that the two of you started the fi-fire by blowing up the oven in..the ki-chen. The Kni-master think, think one of your people might behind this so they can take over." Sol finished breathlessly.

Something clicked in Kriel's mind, but the shaking and tremors washed it away.

"Ergh.." was all he could say in reply, as he threw up again, luckily not on his rescuer.

A very weary Sol and a barely conscious Kriel reached the stables, where three others were waiting for them.

"Sol and..is that Kriel? He looks no better from when I left him." Silvyren shook his head. "I don't think we can delay much time though, the guards were extremely menacing. They meant business."

"But what about Jarald?" Harald seemed regretful that he was here, and his mood showed it. "I'm NOT leaving without knowing if he's okay."

The Knightmaster sighed. "Harald, if you're taken prisoner, or maybe even killed, what use will that be to....your brother?"

"..No.. but still, I can't leave him behind!"

"..I'll..look for him, okay?" Silvyren dragged the words out, feeling worse as Harald's face brightened a bit. "We need to get going, Seriya, can you help the lord up on that horse? Oh, and take this make make sure it's securely fastened."

"Okay.." The girl hesitantly made way to the fallen king and lifted him up without a sweat, and placed him on Epona. The animal nickered softly in worry of its master's condition as Seriya also attached the long, lopsided bundle.

"Harald, take the supplies, and Sol, can you mount with Kriel? Seriya, ride with Harald." Even in this situation, the Knightmaster was commanding as always. Sol climbed up on the horse, being careful not to jostle Kriel, and Seriya and Harald mounted the other one.

"What about you, Knightmaster?"

Silvyren smiled and patted Seriya's head. "I'll be fine."

Suddenly, thumping was heard from the stable's doors. "Open up! We know you're in there!"

"Go. Now." Without hesitation, Epona took off, and Silvyren slapped the other horse to make him follow. The man then headed towards the doors without a glance back. That was the last of him they saw for a long while.

And Seriya also tumbled off the horse.

"Seriya!" But the horse wouldn't listen to Harald's panicking jerks. He just sped on.

"I'm okay! I need to be not with you guys! Jarald-" And her words were cut off.

The two beasts thundered into the night, with grim silence and dampened with worry.

Notes: Yeah, I have nothing to say.

Except it sucks a lot.

T.T