Davin

Still working on form and wording but this is fairly what it should look like when finished. R&R

Lazerus hefted the odd weapon onto his back and turned back to his odd score of men. Most were older than he was but they followed him. The scholar who had come up with this ‘cannon’ as he called it had sent them to Empresses own capital. She would be most happy about this new thing. He had been the first to master it so he lead, but he relied on his friends to keep him from making a fool of himself. He did not act like a captain so they taught him about campaigning. He absorbed it willingly. They listened patiently as he tried to teach them how to reload, fire straight, and not destroy your cannon in battle. They all wanted to learn how to do it. The empress had asked them to come to the Iron thrown for some reason. He hoped they were not going to battle but would not decline the order. He had seen the empress once. He was a street urchin before he became a soldier and one day during a royal procession he saw her. She was not empress yet because her mother ruled. She got the name ‘Vivian the kind’. He smiled as they passed through the gates. I hope we are not going to war.

“I am going to visit our neighboring empire of Dharma.” His mouth fell open. Their ‘neighbors’ were mounting for war against the empire. He nodded closing his mouth before she could notice. He narrowed his eyes at her. Her mouth was twitched oddly. “Your ‘cannon’ fighters have caught my eye. I wish you to become my personal guards.” He looked behind him. His men were not hiding their reactions.
“I do not understand. What about your other guard?” She turned her gaze to him from the thrown. He started to step back.
“Do you deny me of your services?”
“No,” he said. How could any one deny you? “I would not dream of such a thing.” He held up his hands defensively. Why did she want us? We are new to the armies.
“Then you should get settled in my dragoon captain. It will be an early morning.”

Vivian fell back against the iron thrown. She breathed a sigh and smiled slightly. She knew that the captain of her new dragoon was young but never... She looked at Luna as the woman motioned her to come away from the thrown.
“So, how did it go,” Luna asked. The woman had been with Vivian since she had been a baby. Her nurse and personal friend. The woman did not care what her title, so she still treated Vivian like a child. And had done the same with her mother, Vivian thought smiling. “Oh, is this captain that handsome?” Vivian looked at her and turned red. It was fury, not embarrassment.
“And what does that mean? That I fall for every pretty man under the sun? It makes me sound the flip skirt.” Luna grinned at her. Vivian shook her head giving up. Let them gossip then.

Lazerus frowned up at the empresses. She rode her black horse ahead of him. Someone tapped him on the shoulder. Jasper nodded toward the entourage behind the dragoon. He sighed. They had brought more than they could carry on horse back. He motioned to the other men and then to the struggling servants.
“Go help them before they kill themselves,” he muttered to Uno. The one eyed man looked at him and nodded. A slight grin crossed the man’s face as he turned. Lazerus rolled eyes. Sometimes it seemed he was the only person let that had any sense left. He walked closer to the empress. She looked down at him.
“I could still get you a good horse captain.” He shook his head. The weight of a cannon and himself would most likely break a horses back. Besides he did not trust a horse very much.
“I do not understand why you brought so much luggage,” he said quietly looking out into the sparse tree line. A form moved slightly. He narrowed his eyes.
“I have to have all of those. Besides I have to look the part for the Statue Ball.” He stopped and looked up at her.
“And you just forgot to tell me this nine days ago?” Her face turned red and she turned away from him. He rolled his eyes. Maybe I am the only one who has any sense left. “I insist you allow me to send a few of the guard with you. At least until you get to the actual ball. They will stay outside but will be there for when you are ready to leave.” That may not be enough. He frowned. Why had she not told him? He looked up. Her face was scrunched in thought then it smoothed into an evil looking grin. He swallowed. This could not be a good thought.
“I believe your presence will be enough of a guard. Report to my rooms as soon as we enter the city.” He looked at her and almost tripped over his own feet. The chain on his back rattled and he sighed. What is she going to do to me? Movement caught the corner of his eyes. He turned his head and saw the arrow coming. He reached up and grabbed the woman by her arm and dragged her down. He stood back up and unslung his cannon from his back. He whistled three sharp times. His men rallied along the line of the entourage and pulled out their cannons. He saw the flash sticks being lighted as he did his own.
“Cover your ears,” he shouted over his shoulder. He saw it. A horse pulled out of the trees and waved a banner. “Hold,” he cried to his men. He aimed carefully and put the stick to the powder hole. A roar nearly sent him deaf. He heard a scream behind him. He dropped the cannon as the banner man hit the ground. He reached behind him and pulled loose his chain. He pulled it in front of him and turned around. The roar of his men’s cannons made it impossible to speak. Once the roar was gone he lifted the empress back onto her horse and whistled twice. Uno ran toward him. He held up five fingers and pointed to the castle. Uno nodded and ran back toward the line of men.
“Go to the city and stay there. This is not a band of robbers.” He smacked the horses rear and it took off down the road. Five men ran past as fast as they could. None of them were Uno. Lazerus did not expect the old man to go any way. The entourage started after them slower. Lazerus held up his hand and made a fist. His men gathered around. He pointed to a clump of bushes and then to the road. They all took their places. Lazerus bent down and reloaded his cannon. This was not a good sign. Stay with her or it is all of our heads, he pleaded to his men who were already out of sight.

Vivian burst through the doors into the court of Dharma. She looked around and found the Director. This odd directorate was different but not by much. She strode forward with her five guards at her heels. She could feel their unease from where she stood. Their cannons leveled at the director. The man stood his face contorting in rage.
“Get your guards mounted now,” she said. The man in front of her laughed.
“Why should we Vivian,” he said. Someone behind her growled and she held up her hand.
“Because I have been attacked on your land. And if you do not, war will be declared upon you and all of your people.” That got his attention. She followed as the man stood and raced down to the square. She sighed in relief as the guards armed and started for the cities gates. As they go to them, figures appeared at them. It was the Dragoon. She smiled proudly. The beat them alone but exactly how many were there. Someone tapped her on the shoulder. She glanced back and saw Luna wringing her hands.
“They seem fine,” she said. She sounded worried though.
“I know they are. I want to know who attacked us though.” Vivian frowned as the party drew closer. Someone was being carried.

Lazerus knocked lightly on the door. His side hurt as if he had never been cut on by a sword but he would live. Uno would not see another day though. The old man took an arrow as he tried to rally the men to the rear of the attackers. The door opened and the empress’s attendant opened it and smiled up at him. He frowned to her. They still had to worry about this Statue Ball thing. She opened the door the rest of the way to let him in. He saw a group of women standing near the window. His face went pale. They were going to make him a suit of cloths. He shook his head. Why did he have to be in this guard?

Lazerus stood straight as the empress dragged him into the gardens. The men had all laughed at him. Dressed up like some peacock noble. He frowned. Why did she have to drag me here? A cluster of women surrounded him and her.
“Who is this man, Vivian,” one asked.
“Where have you been hiding him,” another asked. A hand reached around him and pinched his bottom. He looked at the women and felt his face burn. The empress looked up at him her face turning red as well. She must be so embarrassed. He bowed to her and looked around for somewhere to sit down. She took his arm and pulled. He followed gladly giving apologies to the four women. She lead him to a table with the empire’s royal seal. She stood beside her chair as he sat down. Her foot began to tap. He flushed again. He stood quickly knocking over his own chair. He pulled hers out quickly and then pushed it in slowly. He bent down to pick up his chair. He sat down and sighed. Some guard he was. Making a fool of himself. A servant brought a tray with goblets and set them down in front of the empress and him. The actual dinner part was not that bad. Most of the people ignored him completely. He heard his name called. He looked at the empress. She pointed to two people standing next to the table. His mouth fell open. The woman was beautiful. The woman moved to his side and patted his head.
“Oh, I am sure the good captain here is just thinking about your safety, Vivian,” she said. Her accent was almost song like. He closed his mouth and stood hurriedly.
“Forgive me,” he said. “I did not mean to ignore you. I...am not used to this type of thing.” He motioned around and the man nodded.
“I would rather be in one of your human inn. Simple dances. Good music generally.” Lazerus nodded slowly. The man opened his mouth them stopped. He shared a look with his consort. She nodded. “Do we know you, young man? You seem to spark a remembrance in me as well as in Selucia here.” The woman stared into Lazerus’s eyes. He swallowed and then heard the music pick up. He turned to the empress and offered his hand to her.
“A dance perhaps,” he asked. She took his hand slowly as if not believing her was asking her to dance. He just wanted to get away from the Faery Lord and Lady. His men had fought some before coming south. Several of the Faery were killed. The empress clung to his arm as he walked slowly away from the table. She tilted her mouth to him.
“I don’t know how to dance this,” she said barely moving her lips. He smiled slightly.
“Neither do I,” he whispered back to her. “But maybe we can just go with what the others are doing.” He put his hand on her hip and she put hers on his shoulder. Their other hands grabbed each other and they slowly began to copy the people around them. The Faery had been strong for people who did not use metal weapons. He remembered that. Wooden swords and daggers. Stone arrows. He shivered. Their actual strength could not be matched by a human’s. the only reason they had been pushed back was because of a special type of cannon shot the old inventor had shown him. Iron balls could be made. Iron to bind and destroy any fell beast. He heard a whimper. He stopped and looked down. The empress was clenching her teeth together. He looked at his feet and realized he was standing on one of her feet. He quickly stepped back. Her face softened. He offered her his arm which she leaned on heavily. He started to go back to the table but saw Jasper standing at the door. When Jasper nodded, he maneuvered his way through the other dancing couples. He stopped at the door.
“Yeah, you said to tell you when we found out what that seal was.” Lazerus nodded. He had to know. If it had been some band of robber’s they would not have needed a banner or man to carry the banner. It had been an armed attack gone wrong.
“What banner?” The empress still leaned on him holding her foot slightly off the ground. It was in a way enjoyable. He shook his head.
“It is from this castle. I saw one just like it on one of the flag poles flapping above this place.” The empress stopped moving. Breathing too it seemed. Lazerus pried her arm loose and passed her over to Jasper.
“Take her to our room. Have the others switch to secondary weapons. We can’t afford to loose any powder. We may need it later.” He turned around and stomped off through the ball room. His hand went to the rolled up chain around his arm.

“Its alright,” Jasper said comforting. Vivian looked at him as they limped up stairs. The man was almost Luna’s age yet he listened as well as any grunt to a boy.
“Why do you listen to him,” she asked. The man smiled.
“We did have another leader at one point. Lazerus joined right before we came here.” She nodded. She knew that. “We were sent against some Faery band.” She stopped just short of the door.
“Is that why he gets nervous around their kind?”
“There were some Faery kind here?” She nodded. “I am guessing that is why. He killed a good many there.” He pulled her after him. The door opened and seven other men jumped up. She looked around. It would appear that most of them were playing cards. She smiled.
“Lazerus says secondary weapons.” The group moved as one. Their cannons lay next to their beds. Jasper moved with her to one of the empty chairs at the table. The door opened and closed. She looked up and saw Luna followed by Lazerus. Luna moved closer to her.
“He said to bring only what was needed. He told the servants to go back to the boundary.” She looked worried and shot him dark looks. He looked at her.
“I think we need to leave now. There was some unrest among the leaders of this place.” He shook his head. He walked to a bed and pulled his shirt off. She turned away.

Lazerus hit the guard over the head and pulled open the side gate. He waved his men outside. They must get as far away as they can by the time these people realize that they are gone. He closed the gate behind them and followed the empress’s horse. She rode as quickly as possible. The fog should cover their escape.

Luna and the empress sat by the fire surrounded by her guards. Lazerus sat up in a tree. No reason for all of them to be caught out in the open. He turned his head at a slight sound. The Faery lord and lady stepped out of the fog in front of the fire. He pulled his chain tight around his fist.
“Vivian,” the lady said walking forward ignoring the guards. “We wondered what had happened to you. Director Simon was most upset. You leaving so suddenly.” Vivian stood and hugged the faery. The lord looked up into the tree and waved to Lazerus. He slid down the tree and leaned back against it. The lady gave him a smile. He nodded back to her.
“We left because the honorable Director was the one that attacked our group. Our entourage left during the day.” Vivian smiled.
“We figured as much. When we asked to leave, we were told we should stay until it was safe to go.” The man shook his head snorting. “Why they thought to keep us there?” He looked around.
“Why don’t we take them with us brother,” Selucia asked. Lazerus stared at her. Why would we do that?
“Oh, that is a good idea,” Vivian said excitedly. Lazerus saw a look pass among the men. They knew what faeries were like.
“Don’t worry, captain,” the man said. “We will not allow anything to befall young Vivian.” Selucia took the empress aside talking rapidly. “But I must tell you that time is funny there compared to here. You will be judged by Faery time.” Lazerus nodded. The two women shot looks at him. Selucia giggled. He frowned at them. What is wrong with women? He turned back to the Lord.
“How far to the ring,” he asked.
“Fifty paces that direction,” he said. He pointed toward the east. Lazerus nodded.
“Good.” Lazerus turned to his men. “Destroy your cannons.” The men’s mouths dropped open. He nodded. “I ain’t going to give Faeries the cannons nor to this grave robbing directorate.” The men slowly began to break apart their cannon staffs and the actual cannon.

Vivian felt the tingle as she stepped from night to day. It was odd but she suddenly felt very happy as if she were a child again. She looked around and had to look up at Selucia.
“What is happening,” she asked. She raised her hand and looked at it. It looked like it belonged to a child.
“I forgot,” Selucia said slapping her forehead. “You are judged by your age here. We are adults by Faery kind. You are still but children.” She smiled and held out her hand to Vivian. She took it eagerly. They could have at least told her before coming. She looked over her shoulder and saw a line of teenage boys following her with weapons to big for them. She laughed. Her mouth fell open. Lazerus came into view talking with the Lord. He had not changed at all. But why? She yanked on Selucia’s dress. The faery woman looked down.
“Why hasn’t the captain changed,” she asked. Selucia looked back and smiled slightly.
“He will tell you in time. I don’t think he can hide it any more.” She smiled again. She shook her head slightly. “Come along. We will reach our city in a few minutes.”

Lazerus entered the city. His stomach felt like a pack of wolf hounds were trying to get out. He looked at his men. They did not comment on his not changing but he kept seeing the empress look back at him. Selucia looked familiar somehow. Where had he seen her before? Killian nodded toward the palace up ahead. Well, all buildings looked like palaces here. Lazerus nodded. Why did he come back here? He should have stayed. He started to walk faster. He must speak with the empress. He stopped beside her and tapped her shoulder. She turned and looked up. He knelt down and waited for his men to pass. Killian tapped his foot impatiently.
“I have to speak with someone before I join you in the main palace.” She looked at him wide eyed then nodded slowly. He smiled and hugged her without thinking. She made a noise and he pulled away. He stood and motioned Killian to follow.

“I don’t know if my sister will like you going on with a human,” Killian said as they walked into the building nearby. Lazerus looked at him.
“Why would she care?” Killian gave him a look of disbelief and seemed to search his face for something.
“You honestly don’t remember.” Killian laughed shaking his head.
“Well, where is she,” Lazerus said impatiently. Killian looked around the room. Lazerus saw a note on a table nearby. He read the note.
“She has gone to welcome the Empress.” Lazerus turned and walked back outside. Why would she care about a human ruler? Because she thinks I am going to be with her.

Vivian looked up when Lazerus entered the room. The entire Faery court went quiet. Vivian looked around the room. What is wrong with these people? She shook her head and turned back to this lady she had been speaking with. Oddly the Faery woman seemed to know Lazerus. Perhaps she wanted to know about the human that defeated their kind.
“So is he well behaved,” the woman asked. Vivian nodded.
“He refuses to call me by name. Even when I asked him not to.” She smiled.
“Then he is doing as he was taught.” The woman smiled slightly. Vivian turned and realized Lazerus was standing beside her. He was not looking at her but at the lady.
“Being a pain,” he asked the woman. Vivian’s mouth fell open. She had never heard him be so abrupt before. She looked at the woman. She smiled fondly at Lazerus. Vivian looked back at him. His face was hard.
“Not at all dear,” the woman said. “Just getting to know this fine young woman. She does deserve your best care you know?” Vivian gasped. What are they talking about? The woman stood and threw her arms around him. He did not relax and if possible stiffened.
“Oh, you are just in time you know,” the woman said. “Your betrothed went to look for you at that awful Director Simon’s kingdom.” His eyes went wide. He looked around and his gaze stopped on Selucia. She covered a smile with her hand and she waved slightly. Vivian stood but barely came to his chest.
“What is she talking about? How does she know you?” Lazerus looked at her then turned toward the door.
“I think you have caused enough problems this day, Mother,” he said softly. Then he marched out of the room. Vivian looked up at the faery woman. The woman’s smile made Vivian shiver.

Lazerus sat in his rooms. He had gotten a small set next to the empress. More like he demanded them. His mother had said she was going to take him in. He shivered. Why he would want to be with that woman made no sense to him. He sat down on his bed and closed his eyes. Why did he have to come back here? The doors flung open. He jumped up but was surrounded by guards. He opened his mouth to protest but something hit him in the back of the head.

Vivian sat in the corner of her cell crying. She had been given to the Director Simon’s care almost the minute they took her from the room. She was then followed by her guard. Except for the Captain. She had not see Luna anywhere among the men. She sniffed. Why had they executed them? They had been beheaded almost the second they set foot in the city. She had watched without a sound but she felt like she was dying with them. How long had it been since then? Almost two weeks, she told herself bitterly. The door opened and she glanced up. As usual the Director had come to visit her.
“Well, Good morning my precious,” he said. She frowned at him and turned her back on him. He had bothered her for more than a week to accept his offer of marriage. She made up all kinds of excuses. Even going so far as to say she was getting married to someone. When he asked who, she said the first person that came to mind. The captain. That had made him laugh. The door opened again. A guard walked in and whispered something to the Director. The man’s face contorted and Vivian looked on in fascination. What is wrong now?
“Stay here with her and do not let her out of your sight,” he said turning around. He kicked open the door and then it slammed shut behind him. The man in the room went to the door and looked out. His face relaxed then he turned around and started toward her. She stood up and pressed herself against the wall.
“Stay away from me you,” she started. He rolled his eyes but did not stop. She closed her eyes and raised her arms over her face. A hand grabbed her arm and pulled it down. She opened her eyes and Lazerus frowned at her. Her mouth fell open. “How?”
“I am a faery,” he said. He turned around. She leaned forward and hugged him. He was the first person she actually wanted to see. He turned his head and shot her a dark look. “Will you stop that?” He raised his hand and touched her cheek. She shivered as a warm feeling spread through her body. She looked at him. He had changed back into the guard somehow.
“What did you...”
“Act like a guard so we can get out of here.” He pushed open the door and started down the corridor. She managed a soldier like walk behind him.

Luna stepped out of the shrubs nearby brandishing the faery sword. It was light enough for a woman to use and in the week of training he had given her she seemed to be very capable fighter.
“Who are you,” she said tilting the blade up toward his face.
“Put that down before you cut your nose off silly woman,” he said loudly and the woman smiled. She lowered the sword and he let the glammar fall away. Luna looked behind him at the Empress. She raced past him and grabbed the younger girl up in a hug. He rolled his eyes again. Humans with their odd displays of emotion. He moved through the trees and sat down on a log. A fire burned low but he did not care. Mainly he was just hungry. Luna and the Empress followed while they chattered with each other.
“I don’t understand. Where are the others,” Luna asked. He looked at her.
“Apparently the Director had them executed.” Luna looked at him then looked at the ground. He frowned. We need to move, he told himself. When can she move? He looked at the Empress. She was staring at him.
“When do we leave, captain,” she asked.
“As soon as possible.” Luna nodded and hugged the younger girl to her. He stood and started north. At least, I can scout ahead.