The Story:
Crowns

It was the last day of the journey to Crowns, and Kauria's birthday. She slept poorly, as she was forced to sleep inside the hard cart. She had a nightmare, though she could barely recall what it was about.

Rhillan never mentioned the legend to her.

As they traveled, the trees to the side of the road began to thin out. Before midday, the only trees she could see were the famous Frozen Trees that surrounded Crowns, The same type of tree that betrayed her Magic twice. The Frozen Trees had turned rock solid after the New Rule, as every person who had magical ability was killed by the Emperor. With no magic, the trees did not grow. All that remained was Dark Magic, which the trees did not respond to.

Kauria fancied she could sense the Dark Magic in the air that kept the Trees from growing as they should. It began prickling at the base of her skull as they first entered the forest; it grew steadily stronger as they approached Crowns.

Before long, they could see the high towers of Ajir Palace. For a foolish moment, Kauria thought she could see them with gay banners and bright colors, but it was obvious that nothing about the palace was bright and cheery since the New Rule, and Emperor Torrel.

It didn't take long for the traders to reach Crowns after that. Kauria had never seen so many people at once, and they had not even entered the city. Kauria surmised that a group of traders had arrived just before them, and it was taking time for them to be admitted to the city.

She was almost startled when Rhillan appeared next to her. "Evidently, you're being tanked top priority," he told her softly, but stared ahead, conscious of the Captain's eyes upon his back. "They're clearing the way for us right now. I heard that the Emperor has sent Cor to receive you personally."

Kauria tried not to shudder; Cor was the Emperor's right-hand man. Kauria was taught that he carried out most of Torrel's plans, including the execution of prisoners, if she were lucky. Gedry had told her many stories of his personal experiences with Cor.

"We're going to go along with it," Rhillan continued, but quickly add, "at least, appear to." He aimlessly looked around, and casually dropped something next to Kauria. "Use that to cut your ropes, and run away at the first moment; disappear to the crowds. I've already talked to people who've agreed to turn their heads while you escape." He smiled confidently. "By the way.... " he said. "We're having trouble with the cart wheels... they're likely to come loose any second. Just so you're warned."

Kauria nodded subtly at his instructions, and covered the small belt knife with her hand. Rhillan stood by her a few moments longer, doing nothing.

At last, he said, "Happy birthday, Rhona. Consider this your gift." He quickly left her, as though no conversation had taken place. Kauria, for her part, began to work on her bindings...

Lady Miraussa waited impatiently to be admitted to the city as the news of their arrival was sent to Cor. Rhillan joined her quietly, subtly nodding, moments before Cor's messenger reappeared at the gate.

"Only the Lady, the trader brother, and the Captain may see Cor," the messenger informed them. "Everyone else must wait inside the gates."

"And Rhona?" Miraussa asked.

"You are transporting her in a cart? Good. Have her follow us."

"We're having trouble with the cart," Rhillan hastily interjected. "One of our men is trying to fix a loose wheel..."

"You couldn't use another cart?" The messenger snorted, and Rhillan wondered what rank he held. There was no insignia on his uniform. "Have the cart follow when the wheel's fixed," he told them. "But you will recognize responsibility for the delay."

Rhillan nodded.

At last they were admitted to the city. Miraussa and Rhillan rode at the head of the group, with the Captain and his guards closely following. They were directed through the busy streets, steadily approaching Ajir Palace. Their final destination was a small square, relatively empty of the bustle. A small group of soldiers stood at one end of the square, clustering around a tall, and haughty persona which Rhillan had no doubts was Cor.

The group of soldiers "greeted" them. Cor stood out from the rest; he possessed an undeniable air of authority about him. A thin scar, clearly visible, marred his cheek. The hairs prickled on the back of Mira's neck; her magic senses, as had Kauria's, easily picked up the Dark Magic in the air, but this man radiated it.

"Ah, Lady Miraussa," the Cor spoke. "I am glad to see you have arrived without any ... mishaps." He smiled pleasantly, yet not without malice. "You are to hand over your prisoner to me."

Miraussa nodded, maintaining a civil air. It was one thing to bristle at a mere guard station captain; quite another to show any defiance to Cor. "She is being fetched as we speak, sir," she told him.

"She was not brought with you?" His eyes searched out the messenger and guide. "I told you to specifically to bring her." The messenger anxiously glanced at Rhillan; his former air of command was dissipated.

"It is my fault," Rhillan said. "We are transporting her restrain in a cart, as ordered, and the wheel ..." His voice dropped away as he realized Cor didn't care.

"You may be Carullian," the powerful Cor intoned, "but no one in Ajir is safe from the Emperor's will." A threat.

The Captain cleared his throat impatiently. Cor turned an vaguely amused eye on him, and the Captain immediately humbled.

"Sir-, uh, I was the one who captured the girl and her brother, the Carullian trader," he sputtered.

"Of course," Cor flicked his fingers at him. "You shall be rewarded for your vigilance. The Captain was visibly relieved. Cor smirked, glancing to his own men. "Take this captain to the palace," he ordered briskly, motioning to the Captain. "A man as loyal as he will make a good Dark Star to serve our Emperor."

Hands were laid on the Captain's shoulders before the man had a chance to protest, dragging him away. "You can't do this!" he yelled as he was taken out of view. "I did what you told me to! I brought-" His voice suddenly cut short. Cor remained indifferent.

Miraussa fought to keep her fear in check. Cor is doing this to intimidate us, she thought to herself. So we will not think about disobeying him. Beside her, she noticed Rhillan clenching his teeth, but he was wise enough not to say anything.

"Lady Miraussa! Lady Miraussa!" one of the male Carullian traders ran into the square. "Rhona is gone!"

"What?!" Miraussa exclaimed. "What do you mean, gone? Did no one see her?"

Rhillan affected his own surprise, and anxiety. The latter was no so hard for him to manage. "She's gone?" he repeated.

Cor glowered angrily at the Carullian messenger, then turned his deadly gaze on Mira and Rhillan. He motioned quickly to his guards, who roughly apprehended Lady Miraussa. Struggling, she tried to free herself, but found it to be of no use. She glared at Rhillan in shock, who was not moving to help her.

"You betrayed me!" she shouted, horror written on her face. "You let her go!"

Cor grunted, waving for his men to take Miraussa away. For a moment, Rhillan feared he would be the next victim of Cor's contempt, but Cor merely pointed a finger at the trader.

"If she is not found," he spoke slowly, threatening, "by the end of the day, you, since you claim to be her brother, and the Lady will take her place."

He turned on his heel, without any hint of compromise.