It appeared as though Mordred had been beaten back for the evening as the crew passed the rest of that night in uneventful peace. Maeve was thrilled to have the company of the young queen, for though Tayia had only been a small child when Maeve knew her, a friend to Maeve was a friend for life.

They sat aside from the rest of the camp; while the men cleared a new campsight. Once dinner had passed the women spoke of old times, and new events.

"What’s it like to be in love, Maeve?" Tayia sighed, glancing over at Sinbad who couldn’t take his eyes off of Maeve.

Maeve smiled gently; was the child queen developing a crush on Sinbad? she wondered, unable to witness the girl’s repeated glances at the captain, but sensing some hidden motive behind the seemingly innocent question. "It’s not really a feeling I can describe; I think it’s mostly a combination of pain" Maeve thought suddenly of her immenant departure, "and pleasure," then snapped to their time in the cavern, "focussed upon one person. When I’m with Sinbad, I feel almost the same way I do when I’m conjuring; there is this energy that courses through my body and begins to take control of my actions." She shivered in memory of the electricty with which Sinbad had pierced her soul. "It’s hard to explain until you’ve experienced it, Tayia, I’m sorry."

Tayia sighed. "Was it love at first sight?"

Maeve laughed, "Try animosity at first sight. We really weren’t too fond of each other, or so we led ourselves to believe. I’m not sure exactly what I felt when we first met, besides strong attraction, and an awful lot of confusion. But things changed."

"And fast!" Doubar muttered with a grin as he strode past to take his place on watch. "We’re turning in, girl. Perhaps you and the princess should make your way back to the fire in case anything else should happen."

"Aye, aye, Doubar." Maeve said in forced humor, as she tossed a smile into the direction of his voice.

Tayia giggled at Doubar’s earlier stab at Maeve. "You are so lucky, you guys all have such a great relationship. You’re so relaxed with them."

Maeve arched her eyebrows, "Tayia, when you spend every waking moment of your life on a ship with these people, you have to be comfortable with them or else you’d go insane." She raised herself to her feet. "Could you take me to where Sinbad is?"

Tayia nodded. "Sure, Maeve." The princess was a little surprised to find Sinbad still sitting at the fire, as everyone else had covered themselves in their blankets and gone to sleep in their various corners of the camp. "Hello, Captain," Tayia said, as she helped seat Maeve on the ground next to the sailor.

"Your highness. Are you just about ready to sleep for the night?" Sinbad asked with a nod.

"Yes, I’m absolutely exhausted." Tayia said with a small smile.

"Understandable. Your brother has set up a tent and blankets for you over by the second fire, if you will notice. Xaldar will be sleeping at the entrance to your tent to act as your guard, and my brother, Doubar is on first watch. Nothing should bother you tonight."

"I thank you, Sinbad, but why have none of the others put up tents?" Tayia asked with a look around camp.

"After the previous few nights troubles, we came to the conclusion that it would be much easier to rise in the event of a disturbance should we not have tents." Sinbad looked over at Maeve tiredly. "Are you feeling all right, Maeve?"

Maeve forced another smile onto her face and nodded. Tayia began to back away from them towards her tent. "Well, I’ll bid you both good night then."

"Good night, you’re highness."

"Night, Tayia."

Tayia slipped away quietly, her brother following her into her tent to talk before they turned in. They had to go over the kings plans for her wedding and coronation as there would be little time once they returned to Thalderon’s capital.

Maeve moved herself closer to Sinbad, and sighed. "What’s wrong, sailor?"

Sinbad looked up in disbelief. "What? Nothing’s wrong."

Maeve shook her head. "Save your lines for your brother, they don’t fool me. Now tell me."

Sinbad paused, and drew Maeve in closer to him. "I was just concerned for you and how you were handling all of this. I mean, what must you be thinking suddenly not being able to see, knowing that you never will again."

"How are you handling it?" Maeve raised an eyebrow, more eager than she would like to admit to hear his answer.

Sinbad blinked. "I’m not the one going through it, Maeve."

"But you are the one most affected by it after me. How you handle this has a lot to do with how I am going to be able to. For now, I’m just concentrating on getting back to the palace, only then will I really think about the future." Maeve turned her head, praying what she was planning was not evident in her eyes.

Sinbad took her hand. "Whether you see or not means nothing to me, love, only that I grieve for your loss and feel helpless that I can’t bring your sight back to you. And now I feel like a letch saying this, I sound so self absorbed. Why won’t words ever come out right when you need them to?"

Maeve laughed. "I will handle this all right, Sinbad, you’ll see. Whatever this may lead me to decided about my future, know that I love you, and that your love has helped me in more ways than you will ever realize." She sighed. "Well, shall we come out of secrecy, and sleep together tonight? Scandalize the crew a little?" She smiled wickedly. "It’ll be good for their souls."

"I’ve already set up our blankets."

Settling down for the night, Maeve snuggled herself down into his arms, fitting herself to his body, knowing that she belonged there, wishing that she could stay. Sinbad drew their blankets over them, knowing that something other than her eyes was bothering her, her expression was so sad, but he decided to allow her to tell him at her own pace. He brushed her hair away from her face as she lay her head down on his chest and entwined her legs with his. Maeve was so happy like this, so at peace with her battered soul; with that thought in her mind, she fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.

**************************************

The next two days passed quickly and without event; the little group made their journey back to the capital in excellent time, the princess having relinquished her horse for Maeve to ride. The sorceress was highly adamant against the idea, but once she was told that if she didn’t ride she would only jeopardize the mission, Maeve had swallowed her pride and mounted the animal. Still she insisted that periodically the princess ride so that Tayia didn’t exhaust herself before her big day at the end of the week. The men took turns guiding Maeve along the path while she was walking, pitying their gifted friend, but exchanging unsure looks between themselves; they sensed that their future was unstable.

Just as twilight was beginning to fall on the evening of the second day, the Palace of the capital of Thalderon came into view. The sight was breath taking; the city’s palace was ensconsed in gold, the walls and buildings glinting in the final rays of the setting sun. The surrounding buildings were just as breath taking, built of blue marble and decorated with glittering jewels. The crew turned in awe to face Tayia and her brother.

"Your highnesses, this must be the richest city in the entire known world." Sinbad said, his mouth agape, turning back to stare at the sight.

Tayia nodded. "Gold is an abundant resource on Thalderon, Sinbad, that is why such a small number of people, only two thousand or so, are able to thrive on this Island. Many ports pay dearly to obtain our most common rocks. We therefore have little need for farming or any other form of support, we can just purchase any nescessity that we may encounter."

"Wouldn’t you have trouble with theives trying to dissect the city? After all, just one piece of one of those houses, or the palace, would set a man for life." Firouz asked, peering through his magnascope.

Xaldar spoke up. "Each of our men is trained in defense, plus the capital has a large army on its payroll. We have no trouble what so ever. The gates are locked at ten o’clock at night, and only opened again at nine o’clock in the morning; there is no way in or out once those gates have been shut."

"Then what are we supposed to do tonight?" Doubar questioned, gesturing at the setting sun. "By the time we reach the palace the gates will be closed."

Tayia smiled. "Doubar, there are some advantages to travelling with royalty. The men will open the gates for Xaldar and myself."

Sure enough, hours later as they approched the astonishing jeweled doors, they were allowed passage through the man sized portals carved into the gates. The soldiers all dropped to their knees at the sight of the future queen and her royal brother. Sinbad and his crew were also similarly treated once the guards were assured that they were the honored guests of the leader of this land.

Ten palace guards escorted them from the main gate, through the city, into the large palace. Firouz passed by several odd looking items placed around the city, and grew excited. Turning to Xaldar, his eyes were sparking with interest only a scientist could muster. "Do these use an explosive black powder to force objects to shoot out the end?"

Xaldar raised his eyebrows in surprise. "As a matter of fact they do, have you seen such creations in other places?"

Firouz shook his head, "Only a prototype that I built a year ago...." The crew tuned out the scientist’s speech, for they had all heard it before about many other items.

Sinbad reached for Maeve to help her dismount her horse once they reached the court yard of the palace. The sorceress took his hand but hated herself for being so helpless; once she was on the ground, she donned her hawking glove and Dermott flew to her.

"Stay near, my sweet, be my eyes." She whispered to the hawk, who cocked his head at her and ruffled his feathers.

Everyone in the court yard dropped to their knees as the king approached them from the palace doors. Belatedly Dermott warned Maeve and she dropped into a curtsy. "Good evening, my children, and my friends," the king said warmly. "You are all welcome here, my greatest gratitude for the safe return of my children is yours, as is every hospitality I may offer you." The king looked surprisingly much like an older version of Xaldar. With the exception of a few scars and a haggard look, King Andrais was almost an exact double of the young prince. Firouz blinked in astonishment, the genes in this family must be extremely strong to have that much of a resemblance between generations, he thought silently, but said nothing.

Sinbad smiled warmly at the king. "Your royal magesty, I am Sinbad, and these are my crew, Maeve, Dermott, Firouz, and my brother, Doubar."

The king turned his attention to Maeve. "You are Dim-Dim’s apprentice are you not, girl?"

"Aye, that I am." Maeve smiled.

"I remember you were here many years ago to save the life of my beloved queen, may she rest in peace. Welcome again."

"I am honored by your kind words, magesty." Maeve furrowed her eyebrows, something was wrong here. She tried to get Sinbad’s attention, but found him standing too far away for her to reach without drawing everyone’s attention onto her. She cursed under her breath, but decided to wait until they were settled into their rooms before telling Sinbad what she had felt.

The king gestured to two men and a woman standing behind him. "Sinbad, these are my honored servents, Takai, Mallor, and Isabelle; they will serve your every need. I do beseech you to stay for my beloved daughter's wedding and coronation, for they are less than a week away."

Sinbad inclined his head. "It would be our honor, Your magesty, to witness such blessed events. I do have one other companion, sire, that remains aboard my ship; may he as well be permitted to attend the ceremonies?"

"But of course! All friends of yours are welcome in my kingdom! I shall send a messenger at once to gather your friend and bring him back to the palace."

"Thank you, sire, but that will be unnecessary. I must return to my ship on the morrow to notify my crew of our delayed departure. I will easily be able to alert Rongar of the situation at that time."

"As you wish. Now, please, you must be exhausted, follow my servents to your rooms; Takai will escort your brother and Firouz, Isabelle will escort Maeve, and Mallor will escort yourself, Sinbad. I have arranged for your rooms to be quite near to each other, so that if you need to communicate you will not have far to go."

Now Maeve was seriously beginning to be bothered; something had gone beyond wrong, and was beginning to feel very dangerous. She bit her lip to keep from speaking, but she knew the worry would be plain on her face for everyone to see.

"Father, may you send a palace physician to Maeve’s chambers," Tayia spoke up suddenly. "She met with an accident along the way to collect me and has damaged her eyes. Firouz has already examined her, however I feel such guilt that I would be much appeased by having one of our physicians examine her as well."

The king turned to look at the blind sorceress; an unreadible expression crossed his face as he took in her blindness but he quickly smothered it. "Certainly, my dear." The king made a gesture towards a nearby servant, who scurried off to do as the king commanded. "I bid you all a good evening, Xaldar, if you would follow me, Tayia’s maid servants will care for her now."

"Yes, Father." Xaldar said, obiediantly, following King Andrais into the palace.

All the servants made gestures for the crew to follow them, so the four comrades headed into the palace themselves, and were led down the long corridors towards their sleeping chambers. Firouz and Doubar recieved their own quarters at the beginning of a long passage of chambers, Sinbad and Maeve were escorted to quarters further down the hall. Sinbad felt it odd that their group should be split into two, with Doubar and Firouz placed next to each other, but Sinbad and Maeve being seperated from them, only to be placed next to each other themselves. Sinbad shook away the thought, perhaps they just had no other rooms, after all, these were the biggest events in the princess’s life, there was likely to be a crowd.

Sinbad entered his chambers with a last look at Maeve dissapearing into hers. Perhaps he should go with her, he thought, until she develops a feel for where objects .... His thoughts trailed off as a loud crash came from her room followed by a not so muffled oath. He had to laugh; he pitied the poor servant for having to deal with Maeve, after all, when you’re not used to the sorceress, she was definately a handful.

He turned to find the servant looking at him oddly. He smiled. "Can I help you?"

The servant shook his head. "I am awaiting instruction, m’lord."

Sinbad raised his eyebrows. "Young sir, I am not your lord, please, my name is Sinbad. Also, it is late, and I am tired, I have no instructions for you beyond going back to your family and getting some rest."

The servant bowed deeply and began to back out of the room, "As you wish, m’lord." Sinbad sighed and closed the door after the man, if he was going to be staying here, he’d have to have a talk with the powers that be about this lord thing.

Leaving his chamber, Sinbad made his way back down to Firouz’s rooms; he had something he wanted to discuss with the scientist. Firouz readily allowed him entrance, and Sinbad took out the pouch that carrried several of his small belongings.

"Firouz, I have a favor to ask of you." He said, drawing out two small objects.

"Anything, Sinbad, you know that." Firouz smiled at his captain in interest.

"I want you to create something for me."

The scientist listened with growing excitement as Sinbad detailed his favor, telling Firouz exactly what he needed from him. Firouz was more than willing to do as Sinbad asked, and it was for such a good cause. Taking the items from his captain, Firouz nodded.

"They’ll be done for you tomorrow, Sinbad, you have my word on it."

"Thank you my friend." Sinbad clapped the scientist on the back, watching as Firouz turned to his servant requesting the materials he would need, and then returned to his own chambers.

Sinbad released his belt, allowing his sword and other weapons to rest on his bed, while examining the room. He almost felt like a lord living in here; the quarters had two sofas, a fire place, a table and chairs in the main chamber, which opened two directions. The first direction took him to a bath chamber, furnished with a bathing basin large enough to fit three people, possibly more, and there were a varitey of soaps and oils on a table near by. Two silk robes hung from a hook in the wall. The other direction led into a massive bedroom furnished with yet another sofa, another fireplace, and a gigantic bed covered in large soft pillows and thick sheets and comforters. Sinbad felt overwhelmed, and almost found himself longing for the comfortable hammocks in the Nomad, but he knew at least he’d get rest. He returned to the outer chambers, and found himself at a loss for something to do.

Moments later he heard the door to Maeve’s chambers open and close loudly, and the servant girl scurried away down the hall in quite a hurry. Sinbad walked out of his rooms and laughed a little before knocking on Maeve’s door.

"I told you I don’t want or need anything! Just please go away!" Maeve exasperated voice came through the door. Sinbad looked aprehensive, but opened the door and let himself in. "Didn’t you...." Maeve turned around beginning to speak, until Sinbad cleared his throat. "Oh, Sinbad! I’m sorry, I thought you were that Isabelle girl."

"I take it you didn’t like your servant." Sinbad said with a laugh, "And judging by the speed with which she just ran down the hall, she wasn’t overly fond of you either."

Maeve smiled. "Well, I told you that I can be hard to live with." She walked over to him, stopping short, reaching out her hand; he took it. "Sinbad, we need to talk. There’s something wrong here."

The expression of mirth dissapeared from Sinbad’s face. "What is it?"

Maeve shook her head in confusion. "I’m not sure exactly, it’s just a feeling I’m getting. First, the king isn’t like I remember, his voice, there’s something strange about it, something almost familiar, but I can’t put my finger on it yet. And second, Sinbad, how did he know we were coming? Xaldar and Tayia were with us the entire time, yet the King knew that we were coming, what we had done for Tayia and Xaldar, and exactly how many of us there would be. Now I may be off my rocker, but he couldn’t have known."

Sinbad looked thoughtful. "You’re right. Perhaps one of the guards from the gate went ahead and told him while we were walking through the city."

Maeve shook her head. "That’s not what I’ve been sensing. There’s something wrong here, very, very wrong."

"Mordred’s magic?"

"No, it’s worse; it’s not magic, but it’s very powerful. Perhaps a talisman of some kind, I can’t be sure."

Sinbad looked reluctantly over to the door. "Do you think we should wake Doubar and Firouz? Get back to the Nomad?"

Maeve hesitated but shook her head. "No, I don’t think so. Something is telling me that we should stay, that we need to stay; but we have to be on our guard. I don’t think we should be alone either; we need to stay in pairs, to watch each other’s back. What ever is going to go down, I sense that it is soon."

Sinbad stepped towards the door, then looked back at Maeve. "Will Doubar and Firouz be all right for the night on their own?"

Maeve nodded. "We are not in any immediate danger, I don’t think."

"Maeve, how do you know all of this?"

Maeve bit her lip. "The things about the king I figured out for myself; the feeling of something powerful, I’m just in tune with, but the rest, well, it’s almost as if someone or something is telling me what is going to happen."

"Who?"

"It sounds like myself."

***************************************

Sinbad decided at that point to go warn Doubar, just in case. He could see Firouz’s light on under the scientist’s door, and knew that his friend was working on the project he had given him, and that he was safe. Moving to his brother’s door, Sinbad knocked lightly and entered.

Doubar looked up from the sofa upon which he was laying, drinking a mug of ale. "Little brother! You should try the ale here, it’s like no other!"

Sinbad smiled, "Of that I’m sure." He paused, catching his brother’s attention. "Doubar, we have to stay on guard now. Maeve says there’s something not right here. That she’s feeling something malicious nearby."

"The girl probably just has the willies from not being able to see is all." Doubar said with a scowl, "She’s always jumping at shadows."

"But how often has she been wrong?"

Doubar sobered up quickly as he thought about it. "Very rarely. What exactly is Maeve sensing."

Sinbad shrugged. "She doesn’t know; but she says she’s getting a warning from some unknown source and that she’s sensing the presence of some powerful talisman."

Doubar scowled again, and dropped his ale. "So much for relaxation time, eh, little brother? So, what are we going to do?"

"Rest for the night; Maeve says we should be fine as long as we stay in pairs, and watch our backs. We’re not in any danger tonight, but tomorrow, who’s to say? I’ll fill you in as soon as she fills me in." Sinbad sighed. "I want you to watch Firouz for me; I’ll take care of Maeve, but I don’t want Firouz wandering off and getting in trouble. I’m going to have Maeve post Dermott as sentry tonight, just to make sure."

Doubar raised an eyebrow. "And if we need you, little brother, where will you be?"

Sinbad looked out into the corridor. "I’m not sure. But if you need me, yell and I’ll be there, no matter what. Watch yourself, Doubar, I don’t want to lose you."

Doubar smiled. "It’d take a lot more than what I’ve seen here to kill me, Sinbad. But take your own advice as well, and watch your back."

The brothers shook hands as Sinbad left for Maeve’s quarters once more.

************************************

Continued in Shared Admissions: Part Ten, Section Two

Go to Shared Admissions, Part Ten, Section Two

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