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Prince Zensekai


“Section 1”
(Insert title here)


Prologue



“ What did you see Alcamede? I trust it is worth my time, is it not?”

“ I remember it was dark. Stormy weather and glossy mist surrounded all in sight. There was music, music all around.”

“Music?”

“The hum of the rain, clash of the thunder and beat of footsteps was a chorus to a strange hymn that echoed in silence.”

“I find little sense in such you say girl!”

“You have no vision. Of course, you couldn’t know. If you’re going to threaten me to tell you what I see, shut up and let me tell you. Otherwise, you can just leave me alone.” Alcamede expected a slap for her comment, but none came.

“Fine, continue.”

“I remember that it was familiar, somewhere barely familiar, but so distorted, and changed that I cannot recall where. There were carpets and curtains in the darkness. On the carpet was a shape in the musical shadows, the shape of a man.”

“A man? Who? What did he look like?” The old man shouted at the child and demanded more of her memory, but she glared at him and continued on her own.

“I have never seen him before, and I know not who he could be. Like my brother, he had a head of red hair and the darkness was lit by his eyes.” The old man was astonished by Alcamede and she savored the look of shock upon his face. “Yes, I know I have a brother though you’ve lied to me. Anyway, I remember he bore the seal of my family, and yes, I know my real family. That is all I remember.”

“Was the man Kyna?”

“I already told you that I couldn’t tell.”

“What am I supposed to do with this? It isn’t helpful!”

To Alcamede’s delight, her abuser stormed out of the room at last. It pleased her so to see the torment in his mind. He was haunted by the last shard of information lacking to him. The curse of those who require all power was indeed to suffer in paranoia. What else could have driven the prideful man to rely on visions of a girl-child but the agony of the unknown? No knowledge could ever have helped him. Alcamede knew his single-mindedness denied him any real wisdom.

This very room was a perfect example. So many terrible and heroic deeds were done in this space. He never could learn from any of them, and he was far older than anyone else in the world. Alcamede loathed this room almost as much as the tyrant. Too many people, good people died here. Being alone in it was dreadful, but there was one thing that made her bear the feeling.

Following her heroine in her mind gave her an untouchable emotion of comfort. So long caged up by wrathful men, Alcamede retreated to the safety of her psyche. She learned to see beyond where her eyes strayed. She learned much from her visions. Alcamede had little care as to how they worked, only that she get them clearer and longer with each chance in this room. Her sights of the lady gave the child of six years courage. The woman’s real name (from what she gathered at least) was Ieylana Anthea. Alcamede watched the woman’s past and came to admire her. The lady was an outsider with the power of far reaching sight, just as she was. Ieylana Anthea was still alive, and had the gall to torment the rampaging old man in ways Alcamede wished she could.

It was, in fact, Ieylana’s vision she had read. Whoever the man was in whatever place the darkness dwelled was seen by the woman long ago. It made little sense as to how that vision was in the past and future at the same time, but the old man need not know that. She doubted she could even explain it in terms he’d understand.

Alcamede longed to view Anthea’s childhood in hopes that she may perhaps grasp some way to establish herself. The earliest points of the woman’s past she found were only of Anthea’s first journey to the capitol. It was another mystery as to why so much of her intangible friend’s history was missing from time. Alcamede had long since given up on finding it, but ran the great play again and again in her soul. Every detail remained the same as she slipped past the walls of the cursed room and into the abyss of time and memory. Alcamede navigated the threads of energy she could feel around her in some ghostly manner, and followed the string that always lead her to Ieylana Anthea. She’d once more see the woman’s pilgrimage to the castle and eventually to this very chasm where she now stood in the present. Present, past, and future, to Alcamede, all was in pure perspective for she lived in all directions of time.

Chapter 1:
Forward


Now that the journey was complete there could be no return. It was not like anyone with logic to do anything off of gut feeling. Intuition was a terrible thing to have, especially when one was inclined to act on it. Nothing in her life could compare to the task she had set upon herself and Ieylana could not shake the stinging thoughts of regret she hoped to bury.
She left her husband and child permanently for what could be a stupid misconception. The notion haunted Ieylana as a fresh wound. She tried to remind herself it was far too late for such ideas as she knew the consequences from the beginning and there was no use grieving over what was past now that Ieylana had arrived at Tintagil.

There was a seeping feeling that momentarily crushed her aching thoughts as she entered the palace. It was if she was passing into the holiest realm she could imagine, and the sight of it along cured the pain of its cost. It could only be the city of the Higher-Ones, so at least she ended up in the right place. Ieylana thanked the heavens that she could speak at least a dialect of the Highers’ language. It wouldn’t be long till she’d have to brush up her skills at it on the crowds of people in Tintagil. It was already bigger than any building she had seen in her life, and she was only at the front. She awkwardly turned about with her eyes upward, trying to witness every detail of the palace.

What she was able to take in was lit glamorously with spring sunlight pouring through the tall wall of glass to her back. That glass entrance way seemed to be made in case something the size of a ship decided to sail into the area. The whole floor sparkled like diamond in the light. The murals danced and reflected onto passersby’s’ ankles. Ieylana finally decided it was to be a circular shopping center of some sort, with at least seven stories; it was hard to tell from far down below on the first floor. Roses were sewn about the rails and escalators proved to make a dizzying red and gold spiral up the mall. Practically everything shimmered up to the chandelier dangling around the Rotunda’s ceiling paintings. Unable to swallow all the glory of the palace, Ieylana exhaled, but only to be drowned out by the uproar of liveliness in the urban center.

She was also extremely grateful that her clothing fit in with the diverse spectacle before her. Ieylana wasn’t wearing anything particularly bold, just a laced white dress, but she had little idea of what the Higher-Ones wore up till a few minutes ago. She had seen a few of them, but all she had come across sported divine appearing armors or gowns. It was quite a relief that they all didn’t look like that, though everyone in here was still shiny and grand enough to match the building’s architecture. The little golden heels of her white boots clicked while going from floor to floor. The laced dress flew around her ankles and her bronze hair bounced on her shoulders. Up and up—it seemed to Ieylana like she was getting nowhere after so many swirls round and round the rotunda. It all added to her frustration.

There was simply no way she could find a small child in this labyrinth. She had no idea when and where he’d be here, and it salted her heart’s wound with doubt. The least she could have done before accepting such a bizarre and foolish mission would have been to demand more information. It was not likely that the Highers would let her search their great castle for some boy she could barely describe. She imagined the fair skin on her cheeks and arms would be flushed pink with panic by now. People shopping gleefully looked at Ieylana like she was crazy for running up the escalators as fast as she was able.

Blond hair glinted in and out of the sunlight as golden wings upon her back as she sprinted to the highest point in the marble rotunda. She could no longer stand to bathe in the mystery of the encaging circle’s shops and pictures and hoped to fly somewhere else. Trying to return to breathing normally and her normal skin tone, she took a moment to rest, closed her blue eyes, and felt her thick lashes touch the cheeks flushed red.

“You think it’s her?” Some man in the area asked someone else in the language of the Higher-Ones. Her goal was to relax, but was too close to the conversation to ignore it.

“Looks just like the picture they gave us,” a second male voice replied, “We better get someone from the Priory.”

“Alright, you go and I’ll talk to her. I’ll see her over there.” Ieylana opened her glassy eyes to see a large man in a red, militaristic uniform approaching her and a second man hurry though a secured door at the end of the floor’s hall.

“Madame, if you would come with me, the Eminent Anthea has requested an audience with you.”

Ieylana blinked and let her hands slide from her narrow face. All the hot color blew out of her skin and some shiver of hope hit her, “oh… ok.” There was not much else to say, so she just followed him down the hall. The beautiful tiled floor turned into a dark carpet on a narrow path.
She had no idea what or who an Eminent Anthea was—she wasn’t even sure she had translated it correctly. None the less, she was again thankful for the stroke of luck, or fate, which had just befallen her. A large, securely bolted blue door shut behind them and severed the light and symphony of the mall she had just climbed. Ieylana resumed being irritated with herself as all she could once again do was to carry on—forward—down the hall all the while letting herself be blindly lead by some man.

It was absolutely amazing that there weren’t grooves across the floor by now. Who knew how many others had paced this room in the same manner as history was being played out by those who worked here. It was true that all Togada had done was tread around while thinking of her next move. At least it must’ve counted as some form of exercise, even if she was having a grueling time trying to decipher the sights she had seen in her mind. Her best friend, Finigan, had to play servant and fetch her food. The poor fellow even had to remind her of the time of day constantly. Despite the meaning of this place, she only shut herself in here because it was quiet. Hardly anyone was allowed to enter, let alone touch the door.

It was classified information just to know which room in the corridor this was. It was perfect place to be alone and ponder the meaning of her visions, even if it was the holiest shrine in the world. Togada’s matted sandals paced up and down on the red stone platform ceaselessly. Art and paintings were everywhere in the large cavity. It was a miracle the intricate engravings on the main platform were still intact after all the treading upon they had felt generation after generation. Togada saw enough of the shrine not to care about the dazzling artistry. Only the Gate of Avalon itself could occasionally catch her interest. It seemed to loom there. Its ominous shadow flickered in the dim torches’ lights. The magnificent door watched her struggle with the riddles it most definitely knew. The Gate did little to help. It merely stood and cast its shadow over the persons who paced in its wake as it did for anyone from any earlier era.

“Wretched thing, this is the source of power in the entire world and yet they won’t even install electric lights for me? I’m going to go blind and I’m still a teenager.” Togada grumbled in her high, girlish voice. Frustration was mounting, so much so that she almost believed her yellow hair had turned red in the fire’s crackling. It was tempting to hope, but she knew there were no answers to be had by the Gate of Avalon. Only people could have answers to what troubled her, and only more questions arose from the doorway. More than one of her kind wasted away in front of the Gate. Each silently begged it for any sign or clue to the trials besieging the country at their time.

“Togie! That –one-lady-person is finally here!” Finigan’s falsetto voice sounded from behind the entrance’s door. Togada walked down the few stairs at the base of the platform and hurried to bend the glowing glyphs that kept unsanctioned people out an ignorant of the Gate’s shrine. Being her second, it was fine for Finnie to come in there, but the lady would take some working. There were a bajillion seals she’d have to bend to get her in there, but this was an emergency. She felt the barrier’s boarder with her gut, and twisted it aside with the mass of her mind.
“Al righ,’ bring her in Finigan.”

The door vanished, only the countless protective seals shone in its spot. Finigan waddled inside and leapt nest to Togada. A very timid, tall lady in white followed and awkwardly looked around. She was exactly as Togada envisioned, she had named her “the swan lady” for lack of something to call her, but now there could be a name to the face. Hopefully, something would finally make sense. Togada wouldn’t wait for her to finish gawking at the room, so she deepened her speech and spoke first, “Who’re you?” That definitely made the girl sound like a rude brat, but it couldn’t be helped.

“I should be asking you.” The Lady had a very odd accent and eyed the teenager. Togada sighed, knowing it was the usual shock to see the Eminent Anthea was a kid.

“I am Togada Anthea.”

“Are you the queen or princess of this land?” Togada had not expected that question, but wasn’t clueless as to its origin.

“Not exactly, it’s complicated. I’m one of three rulers I guess. It’s better off if I don’t know where you’re from, so don’t bother making up a story. I won’t ask much more, it’s better for everyone in the universe if I don’t, but it’d help to know your name and why’ you’re here lady.”

“I’m Ieylana Lantyne… How old are you?” The Swan Lady was still rubber necking at the shrine and doing a great interpretation of an adult tourist. Togada rolled her eyes. “If you must know, I’m seventeen. If it makes you feel better I’ve only been the Eminent Anthea for two years. There’s been even younger than a fifteen year old who’s gotten to rule a third of a nation in history ya’ know.”

The lady finally grew tired of starring and focused on the conversation, “So why did you want to see me? How did you even know I was here?”

“Why do old-people always need to interrogate me? I’m the ruler of the Priory for a reason, and this gate isn’t a decoration. Such things are more than common for those who end up becoming the Anthea.”

“But that gate only a wall behind it… it’s not even attached to the wall at all!” Ieylana focused on the gate behind the girl. It was not as flashy as the room, but huge, magnificent, and intimidating. She noted the strange tracks and grooves it was secured in, what function they served she couldn’t fathom.

“Guess you’re even more of a tourist than I thought. I’m sure everyone in the world knows what that gate is. I’ll explain that later, important things first."

Ieylana watched Togada turn and face the giant doorway. She almost imagined the girl could see through it and into whatever lay behind. Finigan flailed his arms in impatience, “tell ‘er what you’ve been seeing Togie!”

“What I saw—you know, in the weird psychic visions we all get—was harder to grasp than most have been. I get lost and confused when trying to think about it. It flees my mind like a dream, but I remember you lady. The tall woman in white, like a spirit you walked through the hall to the shrine of the Gate of Avalon. There will be a huge imbalance of all the world for generations and our rule by three will be trampled upon. Even more treason will spew when our protection from this horrid doorway is gone, and I am dead. Our goals are the same. You’ll have to save us from this Gate eventually.”

Ieylana starred at the teenager, completely dumbfounded by what the girl’s somber voice spoke. Togada had an absurd lack of feeling at the mention of her death. She was deeply troubled as a mother to hear a child talk of such things so casually. The girl turned back around and her expression told that she expected some form of reply.

“I’m only here looking to protect a small boy. I know nothing of what you speak of.”

“A boy?” Finigan was very anxious to finally have a chance to talk.
“Yes. I know not of who he is or where, only that his name is ‘Zensekai,’ and he has a head of red hair.”

“The twirp is definitely a royal then, but I’ve never heard of anything close to that name on any of them,” Finigan bounced with a confused look.
“No there’s no royal male of that name. It is a very unusual name and I’d surely remember it as I studied all the lists of hundreds of royals while trying to find someone to take as an apprentice. Finnie is my successor as of now, but he’s not the quite the kind of guy to put up with my job for long. BUT, now you’re here lady…” No one could tell who Togada was addressing, Ieylana, or the silent Gate way all six eyes in the room had unconsciously become fixed upon.

“Are you saying you want to name me your heir? Just like that? Sorry, but I can’t see the future as you apparently can.” The culture shock (and general shock) was even worse than Ieylana had expected. It was completely bizarre to her that the Highers would place a teenager on the throne… or what seemed to be one of three thrones. The idea of a young girl mentoring her was indeed the ultimate role reversal.

“Yes you can, you just fear it or deny it for whatever reason,” Togada mumbled in boredom, “If nothing else SOMEBODY has to teach you about Masamune, so no one else will wonder where you came from. I’m not letting anyone know what I know about you.”

“What about ‘er? She doesn’t look to special.”

“I cannot tell you Finnie, sorry. I believe Ieylana here can fix things that are going wrong, so I can’t risk shifting events further into chaos.” Togada tried to assure Finigan, and sighed. It’d definitely be hard teaching that woman not to stand out like a sore thumb. “You name is now Ieylana Anthea. Never tell anyone otherwise. My servants will make you room in the Priory. You’re obviously too old for schools, so you’ll just have to explore and annoy other priestesses and clerics around. They’ll tell you anything you want really, they love to brag.”

“Just don’t ask anything stupid.” Finigan added with a grin.
“Especially since I have to get you appointed by the Emperor, reputation is everything in that aspect. You really shouldn’t ask him anything stupid. If he doesn’t appoint you, it’s illegal for me to take you on. I’d still do it anyway, but you better not tell them that. Finnie, go get Apolline would you? Make up some sap story like ‘she’s lost her memory’ and get her to show Ieylana around and tutor her in our ways.

The short, dark haired man darted through the glyphs and out of the room. Togada hoped Finigan wouldn’t trip on something in his energy. Ieylana just stood, out of place. She never really expected to have to learn to be one of the Highers themselves. It was painfully clear she was unable to cling to the identity of her heritage among many other traits. Still, she couldn’t complain. Wandering the practically endless streets of this world would not have been preferable to encountering Togada and her sidekick. That alone proved the girl had an amazing ability, the Highers were truly mystifying. All Ieylana could do in order to keep up with her life, was follow where she was told to go.

Chapter 3:
The Drive Ahead

Ieylana spent almost two months on vocal lessons and public appearances with Togada. Slowly but surely, she was learning of this political dance the priory played with the other two divisions of Tintagil. She had finally learned enough general tricks to fit in with most the normal crowd of Highers, but fooling royals was much more difficult.

Ieylana wasn’t sure as to how effective singing might turn out, but the rest was proving very helpful on her much needed cultural assimilation in this land. She had to relearn everything she had once taken for granted in her village from the way she sat in a chair to the way she cooked.

It was a struggle to keep from confiding anything about her village to Kiki, especially when the woman would go off into stories about her own family in Terrasyl. Kiki Avilene was a close friend by now, despite the secrecy. She’d even gone so far as to bring to Ieylana’s suite an “entertainer” she was patroness to. Ieylana never had heard of such a profession back home that didn’t involve brothels and protested at first, but when reassured that the entertainer was a former priestess, she assented on good faith.

“Sha-gin has a stellar reputation, as the most popular entertainer in Tintagil, many of the royal lineages in Terrasyl support her since she supports us.” Kiki assured it was nothing like what Ieylana was imagining as her mind was going into the gutter.

It was a shrewd decision on Kiki’s part, because the entertainer was a much truer model of etiquette than any other, and far from what Ieylana had expected. Sha-gin also was highly skilled in music and dance which proved a nice way to moonlight lessons. The entertainer wore the oldest traditional robes from the region in which a large portion of the royal lineages took headquarters in. They were very long, heavy looking and lined with fur at the collar. How she managed to walk in that was fascinating to watch. The areas around her eyes were heavily painted with peach pinks and colors to match her bright robes. Her lips were firm red. Sadly, their get-togethers didn’t last too long.

“Come to my restaurant during my hours if you can Miss Ieylana…” The entertainer requested on their last night of fun, “… and sit at one of my tables, it will be on the house for both of you. I will be unable to visit for the next two months. I am going to be in the production played at the Emperor’s birthday this year.” Sha-gin regretfully informed both women while sharing tea at Ieylana’s table.

Informal music and poise lessons had been sucking up the diva’s time for the last three weeks, and Ieylana had expected she’d eventually have something come up like this. An invitation to her restaurant—her husband owned it she and worked there—was more than enough to make up for it. Finally there was an excuse to get out and see Tintagil. All of that was completely eclipsed by whatever Kiki had understood from Sha-gin that Ieylana hadn’t.

“You’re going to star in it this year? That is wonderful news!” Kiki was glowing with pride for either Terrasyl or for her family’s financial investment in the diva.

“Yes, I’m not supposed to tell anyone, but you two are likely to come see it anyway. Since I used to work in the Priory, I know how pointless trying to hide anything from Alida priestesses is.” Ieylana looked down, she could not call herself a real part of the Priory even though she was now Togada’s student. She didn’t care to correct the diva on her not being a priestess, especially not an Alida ranked one. Kiki was the intuitive type like Togada, but Ieylana believed herself to be as clumsy as any other person when it came to the future. With the meeting with the Emperor being only a few days away, there was no time to be useless.

When Sha-gin left the doorway and went down the elevator, panic about set into Ieylana. She paced around the table, while Kiki cooked for the both of them. After Kiki had boiled the pasta, Ieylana could stand it no longer.

“What’s the Emperor like Kiki?” She had to know, even though she wasn’t sure she wanted to find out. Kiki stirred the sauces, “I’ve never met him, so I only know general things…” Ieylana made a face, and Kiki continued on as a result. “I know that his family comes from a countryside region, so he’s got a fairly thick traditional accent. He’s very old fashioned. He’s got a family of his own and a kid.” Kiki began mixing the pasta and the sauce while adding seasonings. Ieylana set the table, contented with what Kiki could tell her. Old fashioned, country boy Emperor, she could relate to that. She’d find a way to appeal to such a man, Ieylana would find a way to prove herself to him or die trying. She made the decision not to follow where fate pushed her any longer, but to drive herself for her own goals—the goal she had given up her family and daughter for.

The second after Kiki departed that night, Ieylana began to fetch recordings of old political debates and films of the Emperor. Although she seldom understood what was being discussed or debated, it was good practice for his accent. Her aim was never to have to ask the man to repeat himself. Not even Togada could keep her from looking like a moron or a foreigner if she needed the teenager to translate everything he said. There was much she didn’t know, but it was a necessity she pretended that she had been born for the duty the Emperor would hopefully bestow upon her.




~~~~* * *~~~~



After baking a present for his majesty, Ieylana threw on a cream lace dress, and tied her hair with matching ribbon. She immediately packed her present in a tiny cooler to protect it from the summer heat as they traveled the long journey across Tintagil. Togada came through the doors just as Ieylana was lacing up her golden heeled boots on a chair.
The girl was adorned in blue and gold robes containing protective enchantments and seals made by the higher priestesses. Crystal beads jingled in her hair. This time Togada had streaks of blue and purple make up around her eyes, only enhancing the odd colors all over her. Togada was annoyed, as always. “So we’re gonna see the Emperor. I know you’re a nervous wreck lady. Don’t worry, he is very nice and isn’t likely to object to anything. He’s sweet, but a bit of a wuss.” The girl attempted a bit of a reassuring smile and clicked the switch to call the suite elevator out in the hall.

With a rush, both of them walked through the Priory to its roots underground. A dark train station awaited them outside the private elevator they took down the tower. Ieylana saw the seal of Tintagil made into the tiles of the floor, and a gleaming mother of pearl like vehicle sitting in the sea of darkness over the platform. Its headlights burst on at the presence of Togada. A side door slid open on the slender body, along with several windows. Inside were a few dainty wooden booths , carved with rose vines all over. Red and white velvet lined the seats the two women sat down on. There was no other soul inside the train, except the train itself.

A female automated voice greeted the Anthea cheerfully. “Good morning! It has been a while your eminence, where can I take you?”

“The quarters of Lord Denavore please NETA.” Togada mumbled, and the train sped off. There was a jolt, and a rearing of engines, but nothing else after the first moment. “NETA?” Ieylana asked the girl who sat across from her.

“Yes, can I help you miss?” The train politely interrupted, “A drink perhaps?”

Togada starred at Ieylana, “NETA is the acronym name for the rail transit we’re on. It connects my domain to the Emperor’s, and vice versa. It’s kept secret, in case of an emergency. I think it stands for something like ‘National Elliptical Transit Avatar.’”

“Can I have some water?” Ieylana felt uncomfortable with how real the voice sounded.

“Certainly miss. You are new today, are you the Anthea’s apprentice?” A cart on wheels came out of the far end of the train’s bar, and carried a glass of water to their booth. Ieylana dipped her fingers in the water before putting it to her lips cautiously.

“Yes I am. How can you talk?”

“My voice is modeled after a past official and programmed into my processing center.”

Ieylana starred around at the train, still disturbed a bit, but Togada distracted her. “By the way, the crown prince’s hair is red and he is quite small. His name isn’t anything close to the one you told me, but you never know? Royals have an annoying habit of changing their names whenever they come to power.”

Ieylana laughed, and nodded. She knew that there was no way the prince was the boy she sought, for his name could be none other than “Zensekai.” She knew that it was the name he would have from birth—his real name—for he had confirmed this by how every fiber of his body reacted to the word. Togada saw Ieylana’s disbelief.

“Did you see the boy in a vision?” The Anthea was curiously talkative, so Ieylana picked her reply carefully.

“Something like that, only he was a man.”

“What’d he look like?”

“Big, tall, handsome, strong… He was a full adult, no grey on his brow yet. I know he had seals all over his clothes like you .He wore a white cloak buckled onto his shoulders by jewels and metal. The cloth was thick and embroidered with protections. He had, of course, short red hair and icy blue eyes that were glowing in the dark.”

“Definitely a royal chum then, if not a candidate for the throne. Did he have an armband, or a plated bracelet?” Togada put her left hand, the one with her golden scaled armlet on the table between them. Ieylana knew it was the identification of a member of the Priory, and Togada’s proclaimed her family name and her rank as Anthea. Today, she only had one long robed sleeve on her right; the left was left free in order to display the armlet proudly.

“I think he had an armband…and it was golden” Ieylana pondered. She remembered a rank on it, just like the Anthea’s bracelet had hers, but she daren’t say what she read on it aloud to even the girl mentor.

“Then he was also an Alida ranked dragon knight. Did he say anything to you?” Togada was definitely interested, and not in her usual hyper, childish sort of way.

“Only that I had to find him as a child, and that it was important I do so.” She lied, and she knew Togada suspected as much, but the girl goddess didn’t pry. He had said much more, but remembering the conversation she had had with Zensekai was irritating Ieylana’s mood. As much as he had charmed and intrigued her, she couldn’t help but grow frustrated with him. Even he, who would be a boy at that time, knew whatever secret of her destiny she wished so much to have.

Togada didn’t talk much after that, and the few hours on NETA were fairly boring. Ieylana caught up on her sleep, to be awoken by Togada once the vehicle halted. The Anthea was hardly excited, but grim. NETA pleasantly scared Ieylana sentient again, “We are here your highness, at the home of Lord Denavore. Pleased to have served you again, come back soon!”

The teenager was already out onto the other platform before NETA finished. Ieylana grabbed her basket for the Emperor and ran after Togada. The platform was identical to the last one, and Togada lead the way into the massive housing of the Emperor. As soon as they entered the sweet smelling suite and exited NETA’s dark tunnels, there was a great squeal from around the corner carpet. It was enough to stop Togada; for once the girl looked caught off guard. Ieylana laughed and looked over to see a two year old boy playing with a ball. In a nostalgic grin she tapped the ball with her golden sole and it rolled back to its young master.

“Is the Emperor here?” Togada yelled, and began her marching again through the tapestry curtains and expanse of rooms that surpassed even Ieylana’s current living space. Ieylana took notice that the girl never called the Emperor by his first name, or any formal “your majesty” terms. She didn’t know if was because the girl was informal, taking advantage of her place as his equal, or just didn’t have respect for him.

“No, he’s gone to the Field of Roses.” Came a woman’s voice from somewhere in the conglomeration of ancient rooms.

“Thanks queen lady!” Togada wearily yelled over as if talking to her parents, and marched onward. Ieylana was hoping the queen didn’t catch a glimpse of her as she ran after the embarrassing girl. In a moment and a few turns, they came to a large common area with a big carved rose hearth and red curtains over the arches of the doorframes. On a big day-bed sat a very tall, bony man with deep brown locks and a gaze that could turn a passer-by to stone. Sharp features defined his face. Togada froze as she entered his sights, and Ieylana followed suit. It was like being shot by an arrow of dread in the chest, the moment his slate eyes touched her.

Ieylana looked him up and down. Fit legs with black metal soled boots rested on the floor of a white animal skin rug. Dark red pants sat on the green cushion beneath him, and a brocade tan tunic clung to his chest. A golden armband on his right flickered. She took an immediate dislike to the man, and was unsure as to why.

“You, please take us to your brother…” Togada seemed almost afraid of him, but stood as tall as her short height could reach and kept her irritated tone. There was a hint of the same awful distaste in the Anthea’s voice. Ieylana just starred at the person, and he curiously returned the favor. After surveying them both, he stood on his leather boots. He was taller than both women as he rose to his full height. Ieylana resented looking up at the man. He spoke with a billowing voice, very softly.

“Alright. I was going to head there for work anyway. Is this the woman?” The man straightened his tunic and began to take the lead, to Togada’s disappointment.

“This is Ieylana Anthea. Ieylana this is Mainos Shingai.” Togada almost snared, but suppressed it. Ieylana wondered why Togada didn’t have a funny name for him too, but saw that the girl wanted her to know him, for whatever reason. Curiosity and worry sat upon Ieylana’s face when she realized he was a prince, and the man caught it.

“You have the look of a country girl about you.” He cast his glance over to her specifically.

“That’s exactly it!” Ieylana pretended to act stupid to support her claim, where she was from was the first thing she didn’t want to tip him off about. By now she’d perfected acting stupid and innocent to assert herself.

“It’s so busy and huge here in Tintagil!”

“Well, it’s certainly its own place.”

He sounded so hospitable, but something was wrong. Togada had opted to remain entirely silent for once as they wove through room after room of glamour. “Not wearing your bracelet priestess?”

Ieylana looked down at her arm in reflex, realizing she hadn’t thought of requesting one. He was possibly digging information from her, and her broken eye contact with Mainos could have handed it to him. Ieylana nearly stuttered while thinking of what to say, but Togada was quicker.

“She has progressed in rank, so her bracelet is being recast,” the teenager said as a matter of fact and rather angrily at him.

“I see… my brother’s reputation for being so agreeable precedes him, or perhaps the Anthea’s sight precedes her. I wonder why we have so many of these procedures when they are made obsolete by you omniscient women?”

“Probably because they still prevent tyranny, and none of us are omniscient. Not even the goddess Istra was.”

“You priory women… still clinging to your goddess. I’d have thought your powers would have done away with the myths and stories by now, but I suppose that is tradition as well.” He sighed and looked at Ieylana for a sign of her reaction, but she had never heard mention of a goddess before and couldn’t betray anything by asking.

“Stories and myths come from something. How much further?” Togada snorted and glanced at Ieylana.

“We’re about half way. Have you been to the field before Miss Ieylana?”He was still trying to gather information through chatting for some purpose. She hoped the purpose was to satisfy curiosity. “No I’m afraid I haven’t! Is it pretty? I bet it would be!” She dodged his questions to the best of her ability through the hive of the Emperor’s quarters all the while making sure to personify a stupid flirty girl, like a more cheery version of Togada on a good day.