The Attack on Azjah Von Drachen Walde

[Xander Paulson]

It was 10 pm when Xander met with the man who hired him. They were far from Rhydin.

A voice spoke from behind. "A Zebra Just Ate Hay." Xander chuckled slightly, but it was the pass they had agreed upon. "He must have been WALDE." Xander deliberately mispronounced the word, "wild".

The voice spoke again. “Follow me”.

The man stepped in front of Xander, leading him down the alley into the back room of a local bar. The room was dark, and smoky. It appeared that there was only one person in the room. He was seated at a large round table, facing the door.

The man spoke as soon as the door was opened. “Come in Xander.” And he motioned to the man that escorted him. “Leave us.” The door was shut behind Xander.

Xander’s limp was long since gone since he arrived on this planet. Due to the nature of his visit, he was not allowed to know where he was. He was certain, however, that the character he played on Rhydin could be dropped….he had showered upon arrival, and left his dirty cloak, changing to a tshirt and jeans. His green eyes met the man in the center of the room as he walked toward him. He had been allowed to call the man by name once he left Rhydin. “Nice to see you again Raavich.”

“Sit Xander.” Xander sat. “I understand that you did not complete your mission. She is still alive.”

Xander nodded. “I do not know how the shot did not kill her. She drove away quickly, I was unable to follow. I thought certain that if the bullet didn’t kill her, the loss of blood would.”

Raavich slammed his fist on the table. “You failed your mission! I do not tolerate failure upon members of my team! For all I know, you may have been followed here.”

Xander tried to remain calm…although he noticed movement in the shadows. “I assure you, I am not suspected at all. Hardly anyone on Rhydin knows me. Noone would suspect me through my disguise as a homeless man. In fact, her fling, Klinton Caer, is the number one suspect. The clues point to him right now, the police haven’t even bothered. Noone knows who I am or where to find me. I have not been tracked.”

“That may be the case, Xander, but she lives. You have put us all at risk, for no good reason. How do you intend to complete your mission? The bomb apparently did nothing to halt her progress on her shipments.”

“I am still employed by Azjah. I work on her ground’s crew. As soon as repairs from the bomb are complete, I will be back, working for her again. She hardly knows I exist. I will not be suspected.”

The Raavich nodded. “I am not pleased with your work so far. But I do trust that they will not trace your work to me…at least not yet. Continue your mission. You will not receive payment until she is dead. That is what we agreed upon. You will be on the first flight back to Rhydin. I suggest you figure out a way to get to her, and to get her killed!” The man motioned to the shadows. “Escort him out.”

Before Xander could speak again, he was lifted out of his chair by his shoulders and carried out of the room, dropped in the street. A car drove by seconds later, and the driver told him to get in. This had been a kink in the plan against Azjah…but he must complete the job. At any cost.

[Xander Paulson]

Xander had laid low since his return to Rhydin. There wasn't much to do. The grounds crew at the Palazzo had been blocked off since the bomb due to reconstruction. The bomb had not been entirely unsuccessful. It sent a brutal message....but it also meant there wasn't any chance of him getting close to Azjah for the next few days unless he went to the rings.
He was beginning to be spotted there as well. He had to lay low. He would watch, from a distance.


A few days after his return, he was staking her out again. Watching her movements. Klinton had unknowingly helped him by gettting her out of the house those few times. It meant that it gave her a chance to argue about going out sooner. Dyson and Lucien had let her out much earlier than she should have been....which gave Xander the chance to keep tabs on her.

He hung around outside the rings one night, and watched Klinton stagger in. Not wanting to pass up this opportunity, he waited until the came back out. Watching as they loaded into their cars, and conveniently he saw the car that followed them as well. He kept up at a safe distance.

Following them to the bluffs, he listend as they walked. So they both had weaknesses. He would have to remember that. This PJ girl could hold amazing power of Klinton. He would need to convince her to use it. Twice that night he thought his cover was blown, but they either didn't hear the pebbles he accidently kicked, or chose to ignore them. Lucien got the idea though, and they were gone before Xander had much time to process. He would be watching....closely.

[Xander Paulson]

Xander had spent much of the last few weeks laying low. He had not been seen around at all….not allowing himself to go back to the dueling arena’s just yet. But tonight that would change. He had Klinton’s schedule down like it was his own…and that meant that he had a good chunk of Azjah’s blocked off as well. That is what observing had taught him…To get to Azjah, he’d probably have to get to Klinton first.

He stepped in to the arena. He assumed Klinton had arrived approximately 5 minutes earlier. Sure enough, Klinton was there. Xander limped down the steps, his cane clicking. Azjah saw him from the callers couch and gave him a nod…Xander nodded back, not making eye contact, but he never made eye contact.

As Xander stepped toward a chair he glanced around. Terrence was drinking a beer…Klinton was next to Azjah…they were talking. He had known tonight would be the night. After watching Klinton, he knew that his breaking point would be soon. He would have to get away from the watchful eyes of Eoin and his staff of bodyguards. Klinton had become friendly with Terrence, perhaps dangerously friendly….and tonight Klinton had Terrence drinking beer while on duty…and lots of beer at that. He watched quietly, not speaking to anyone, waiting for Klinton to leave.

And then his chance came. Klinton rose, and stepped toward the door. Xander paused a moment, checking to see what Terrence would do. He didn’t notice. Xander rose as well, following Klinton up the steps. Shutting the door behind him caught Klinton’s attention…but he dismissed it when he saw it was Xander. As Klinton turned again, Xander took his chance.

With the cane he gave a quick blow to the base of his skull, and then immediately swung to the back of the knees. Klinton staggered, groping behind him, and Xander turned and caught Klinton with another blow square to the face. Xander stood on Klinton’s shoulder, warning him not to make a sound. He had removed the tip of his cane as he walked out the door, so now there was a sharp metal point on the end. He applied this to Klinton’s forehead. He could tell Klinton was trying to struggle, but the blow to the base of the skull had immobilized him.

Klinton muttered a few words. “Azjah’s people are the best. They will track you down.” Xander slowly moved the cane’s pointed end over Klinton’s right eye, cutting into the skin as he did so. He paused briefly to speak. “I told you to keep your mouth shut. I’m feeling generous…you may see her again, but, not out of your right eye.” Xander laughed, pushing down on the cane, piercing Klinton’s eye.

Klinton passed out. Xander gave a sharp whistle, and a black horse rode up. He tossed Klinton’s body across the horse, and then mounted it himself, and rode off into the darkness.

[Xander Paulson]

Xander took Klinton to the loading docks. While he did not know where the Saart’ze rebel leaders were located, he was able to arrange a flight to meet them. Xander did not inform them what the meeting regarded….he was hoping they would be pleased to have Klinton in their custody. Klinton had been tied, gagged, and chained to the wall of the ship. He had moments of consciousness, during which Xander allowed him to drink water. The ship detoured several times. Xander had no clue where they had landed.

An escort met him at the door. “Xander…. Raavich is waiting.” Xander moved out of the door, informing the escort of his “cargo” and that Klinton should be cared with until Raavich decided his fate. The escort nodded, and continued leading him to their meeting place.

He was met in closed down factory, Raavich waiting at a table in darkness.

“Xander…I trust you bring news of Azjah’s death. I have not heard it on the news wire.”

Xander shook his head. “No sir, I’m sorry. Azjah is alive. I have her male companion kidnapped. I brought him with me. If you are to get to Azjah, you will need to use this man.

Raavich nodded slowly, if there was light, Xander would have seen that Raavich was frowning. “ I am losing my patience with this. You should have completed this mission long ago.”

Xander sighed. “There have been many changes. She is under constant surveillance, as well as Klinton. It is only through Klinton’s stupidity that I was able to get him. Azjah will do anything for this man….Rest assured in that.”

“I am at an impass Xander. Azjah may very well come after this man….however, I have no idea whether she will or not.” He snapped his fingers, and several men approached Xander, surrounding him. “I will obtain Klinton from your ship, and hold you in custody as well…until Azjah arrives. If she does not comply with our demands…you and Klinton will be killed. You, Xander, may rest assured in that.”

With that, the men detained Xander, he did not struggle, but went willingly…sure that Azjah would come. He was wisked away to a small detention cell.


Raavich immediately went to work on a plan. He would offer Klinton in exchange for Azjah. His only hope was that Azjah would give herself up if it meant freeing Klinton. He researched the news of Rhydin, and learned that Maddux McCord would be leading the investigation.

He had the following note delivered to police headquarters:
“We have Klinton Caer. He will not be harmed any further if you comply with our demands.
Azjah von Drachen Walde will be on a ship precisely three days from the receipt of this letter, at 6:30 pm. She will meet the ship waiting in loading dock 7 of the Rhdyin Loading Docks. If she arrives before 6:20, Klinton will be killed. If she arrives at 6:31, Klinton will be killed. She is to come unguarded, and unarmed. She will approach the ship alone, hands and ankles handcuffed before stepping down to the dock. There is no negotiation in this matter, and there will be no further correspondence.”

[Klinton Caer]

As I drifted back into consciousness, I became slowly aware that I was moving. Rapidly. So fast that it felt that my body was being pushed against whatever I was leaning on….the sensation that occurs during extreme acceleration. There was a dull taste of blood in my mouth. My head was pounding. I slowly opened my eyes to allow the light to enter slowly. My left eye opened, but my right did not. I lifted my hand to touch it, but found it chained. I struggled, and soon realized that all my limbs were chained. I muttered for Azjah, but there was no response.

Suddenly I felt sick to my stomach, vomiting. I became very dizzy, and the world drifted back into haze.

I do not know how much time passed. I awoke with a wet rag to my lips. Someone was squeezing water into my mouth. My mouth was dry, and cracked. It stung for a few moments as the water first hit my lips. I swallowed gently, in pain, but glad to have water. I muttered…”Where am I?”

An unfamiliar voice responded. “Relax Mr. Caer. You are on a ship. That is all we can tell you right now. We will set you free when demands have been met. You will not be hurt any further until those demands are met.”

Again, I opened my one eye. Whoever was there knew where to stand, he was just outside my field of vision. I had the sense of a shape standing beside me, but could not see. “Who are you?”

“Mr. Caer, I have told you all the information I am at will to tell. Please…drink.”

The man held a straw to my lips, and I sucked the cool water down. I tasted somewhat stale, but I did not care. I drank more, and slowly, I drifted back to sleep.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

I had paced for 2 days, and exhaustion was hovering around me. The Palazzo ran on hushed tones since Maddux had brought the terms of Klinton’s release. There were things I needed to see to before I met that ship tomorrow night.

Eoin and I had laid our plans, and we'd prepared as best we could in light of the demands Raavich had made.

The attorney arrived at 9:00 AM, and it had been another sleepless night for me. We sat in the Great Room to arrange my estate and affairs. I needed to see to Nat’s family, and made arrangements for the money to be given to Anne that she could see to it Nat’s wife accepted the only thing I could do for her, and her children. See to it they did not want for home, food, and education. I could not bring their father back, but I could make certain they had a good chance at life in his absence.

We’d made arrangements for the company management in my absence, and the board of directors would appoint a new CEO in the event that I failed to return. I have no family remaining, and it was here that exhaustion became most evident. Tears I’d never shed in public slipped from over tired eyes, and I laid out the details of my estate distribution.

The remainder of the day I spent alone.

That night, my last in the Palazzo as best I could figure, I spent the time alone in my rooms. Dyson had tried several times to provide companionship, but I do not wish to be with anyone for these last hours. They mean well, but I am facing death at best, torture before death at worst.

Tonight I would go to loading dock 7. I would be left there, in hand cuffs and leg shackles by Lucien and Eoin. They would drive away as 6:28 PM, leaving me to face Raavich and/or his minions, in exchange for setting Klinton free.

I could not eat, had not eaten for the last 3 days. I was light headed when we left for the docks. Silence reigned in the car as Eoin sat beside me. I wore a simple black silk blouse and trousers, no jewelry, and flat black shoes. The color fit my mood, and would show blood less starkly. Black is not a good color for me, but I wore no make up, and the palor of my skin against the strong black suited me.

We pulled into the dock area, and got out of the car. Eoin studied me hard for long moments before closing his eyes. He must have said a small prayer before he opened his eyes and resolutely affixed the leg shackles and finally the hand cuffs. I was cuffed with my hands in front of me, in accordance with the demands Raavich had left with Maddux.

They would return at 6:45PM to pick up Klinton, or at least that was the plan. I am unconvinced that Raavich will release him now, but they will come back with the hope that they will find him in my place.

Raavich’s men arrived almost as soon as Eoin and Lucien had departed. They stepped out of the ship with weapons trained on me, and 2 others scanning the dock area looking for snipers or other threats to their scheme.

“Where is Klinton Caer?” I demanded of them.

“Shut up bitch,” the leader approached me with confident strides and a smirk on his features.

“The agreement was that Klinton would be released in exchange for my being here, now where is he?” I had no back up, and a part of me trembled.

“I said, shut up bitch,” and he backhanded me viciously. “You’re in no position to make any demands.” I staggered from the blow, and could not catch myself as the leg shackles tripped me up, and I went sprawling to the dock floor. He removed the platinum hair picks that I had worn, tossing them to one of the others with a laugh. “You didn’t think we’d let you keep your little weapons, did you?”

He yanked me to my feet by my hair and hurried me into the ship. I was locked in the cargo hold to a metal ring that did not allow me to sit down, and did not allow me to stand upright fully either. We took off minutes after the cargo door closed, leaving me in utter darkness.

I could taste the coppery flavor of blood, and tentatively tested my lower lip with my tongue, finding the split there. Well, it has begun. Raavich failed to deliver Klinton, and now he has me. Who knows where we are headed. Raavich will have a route planned that will not be direct, and G~d alone knows how long I will be kept here in the dark, unable to stand or sit. Raavich’s torture has begun.

The first hours weren’t so bad. They were slightly uncomfortable, but nothing I hadn’t expected from this group. The exhaustion that I had driven myself to over the past 5 days made it easier for me to escape into daydreams, and moments of incomplete lucidity. Pain was numbed in this state.

They brought no food or water for a very long time. I had long ago stopped wondering when they would come for me. It was as though they were watching with infrared or some other means because the moment I would find oblivion in sleep or unconsciousness, they would come, flipping on brilliant lights, and loud noise. This time was different though. This time they demanded my clothing. I was shocked by this demand. I’d expected physical violence, I had not expected humiliation.

I fought them the best I could, but in the end, they won. And again I was left in the darkness, to wait.

Our trip continued. There were moments of acceleration and deceleration that I recognized. My tormentors arrived erratically and began man handling me. I am bruised, and bloodied, but nearly to the point of not caring. Raavich has given them instruction on my treatment, and they are carrying it out to the letter.

When I thought it could not get worse, it did. I am uncertain that if I survive, I can ever allow any man to touch me again. At least by dying, those I care about will never know the depravity men are capable of, and I will never have to speak of these last hours.

By my best reckoning, it was 2 days later that we arrived and landed, and I heard Raavich’s voice cut through the darkness of the cargo hold. “Well, well, look who’s come for a visit.”

As I was removed from the ship, unbeknownst to me, Klinton was being boarded. The ship took off as I was hurried into a waiting transport, with only a blanket wrapped around me as we briefly were in public view. We were off again, by private transport to the hidden refuge of Raavich.

[Anne]

Artemus and Anne made it to the docks just as the storm was breaking. She had enjoyed the trip. Deciding to go and get a bite to eat before visiting the Temple once more Anne headed to the nearest restaurant. She grabbed a drink at the bar. It didn't take long for her to be flagged down by a young gentleman. He handed her the check and explained that Klinton had been kidnapped in her absence. It was also explained that Azjah was leaving that night. It was made clear to Anne on what terms Azjah was departing.

Taking the check Anne told the lawyer he was free to leave. On the other hand, Anne was going to stay right where she was. Sitting at the restaurant Anne waited, she'd be there when they came to pick Azjah up.

When they arrived it took all of Anne's will power not to follow her and start causing a riot. However, she knew that even the slightest move might cost Azjahs life. Eoin came at 6:45 and Anne met up with him. There was no need to point out that Azjah was gone and Klinton had not arrived. She would be at the Palazzo the next day to continue her word.

Gosh she hoped Azjah was in one piece.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Raavich studied me dispassionately in the confines of his transport. The cuffs on my wrists had been left on, and there were raw spots in my skin with blood seeping from beneath the metal. The wounds are nothing serious, but painful in their own right. The leg chains had been removed, and all that remain are some bruises and minor cuts. Somehow, I suspect these are the least of my worries at the moment.

“I’m surprised you made the exchange Baroness, or should I use your latest title, Marchioness?” His tone was pure sarcasm. “Somehow I half expected you to let that insignificant creature die in your place. But, I will make certain your tombstone contains all of the appropriate titles, including whore and murderess.”

I leveled my gaze at him, “Raavich, I have never let another suffer for my actions. Never. The agreement was a trade. Where is Klinton?”

“LIAR!” His rage was instant and terrifying. This was the rage of a madman. “Your actions kill my people daily! You don’t give a damn about them! His voice softened, "But you will pay. You will make amends for their suffering by suffering and dying too.”

His hands were shaking he was so angry, and I kept my mouth shut during his tirade. “Your man is enroute back to that stink hole Rhydin. You won’t see him again, but at least he didn’t lose the sight in both eyes.”

We traveled for about an hour before we disappeared into the jungle. I know the way is watched closely by his people, and they should not be able to pick up the homing beacon Eoin had managed to get buried beneath my skin. The frequency would be so unusual, there should be no risk of discovery by Raavich and his teams.

I was tossed unceremoniously into a small room, little more than a closet with no windows. The door was locked behind me, and in the darkness, I did not stray too far from where I’d landed. I could touch what felt like a wall with my feet, and I wrapped the blanket about me to wait.

He’d said Klinton was headed back to RhyDin. This at least was good news. He’d also said something about him not losing sight in both eyes, and I know now that he was blinded by this group of animals. Tears slipped unbidden down my face.

Exhaustion and despair combined dragged me into sleep.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Eoin arrived at 6:45PM with several body guards. They’d searched the dock area thoroughly, and there was no sign of Mr. Caer. He was slightly startled to see Anne approaching him. She’d seen the boarding of Azjah into the ship, and thankfully she’d not stepped in.

Anne headed for the Palazzo, and Eoin began making contact with the agents he had in several ports of entry. It would only be a matter of time before they knew which direction they’d gone, and then he could begin the search for the homing beacon signal.

The risk was high, they might execute her before they got the trail, but it was something they’d discussed in detail before she’d left. This was however, one of the worst moments in any body guard’s life. His responsibility now was to get her back in one piece. He’d worry about the mental effects of this after he had her back home. And the god’s alone would know how severe those would be. Raavich was not known for being kind. His reputation said he would violate her every way possible before killing her. And then, death might be welcome indeed.

Eoin’s thoughts shied away from that line of thought. Get her back. Worry about the rest later.

Word finally came, 8 days later, the homing beacon had been picked up in Deneb. At last!

Eoin and 4 of his people departed for Deneb.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

My closet remained dark, with only a slight ribbon of light from beneath the door. I stretched as quietly as possible, not wanting to bring attention to the fact that I had awakened. My eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and I could make out the size of the floor from the light coming in. It was a very small room, or a very large closet. I would be able to lay down fully in one direction, but not the other. There are no windows, and only one door.

Shifting silently, and wrapping the blanket around me as best I can with my hands still cuffed, I silently stood up. Sounds outside the door were muffled, and I put my ear to the door, hoping to make some sense of who was out there, and maybe get an idea of how many were still here.

I could hear someone talking, as though on a telephone, or radio, and a sickening thud, as though someone were being beaten, or perhaps it was only someone practicing against a bag, landing solid punches and kicks. I do not want to follow that line of thought. I could be next.

Footsteps.

I backed away from the door just as it came slamming open. There stood two of Raavich's goons, leering at me. I could feel the color drain from my face as they both stepped into my closet and shut the door.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Time ceased to have meaning. Raavich was toying with me, enjoying the degradation and beatings that his people seem to enjoy so very much. It sounds very strange to say, but you can grow quite numb to your surroundings. Learn to tune out what happens to you, ignore so much more than I ever thought possible.

It is like that with these animals, I have locked away the feeling part of myself as they begin again. Their sport is lessened when I do that. No fear or terror for them to enjoy. That is usually when they resort to beating me rather than violation of another sort.

Today though, they found enough sport in violation, and one backhanded me before holding me down. Their lewd commentary was usual, and I shut my eyes, waiting for the inevitable.

Background noise ceased, but it did not register until the closet door flew open and I heard the soft report of a silenced weapon. I half expected to feel the tearing of a bullet into my body, but instead, the goon holding me down went limp and fell, releasing me. The other was swearing vilely as he scrambled to reach for his weapon, but the second report felled him as well. Warm blood spattered over my back as I turned to see who the shooter was.

Eoin!

Tears sprang into my eyes as he stepped into my prison, tossing the second goon to the floor and scooping up the blanket, wrapping me into it as his backup stood in the doorway watching the approaching halls for trouble.

He looked hard at me as he pulled a key for my handcuffs from his pocket and release my hands. “We have to move now, are you capable?”

I nodded at him in silence, wiping at the tears. “We’ll talk later, but get me out of here Eoin.”

His gaze shifted to the doorway, but before it did, I could see resolution tighten his features. He would never discuss what he’d just seen. I understood that plainly as we made for the exit.

We wound through the jungles, there were 6 of us now, and I was surrounded by men. When we stopped for a moment, Eoin handed me clothing, and I quickly donned the jungle camouflage they were wearing, and shoved my hair under a hat. We pressed on, and several hours later we were within sight of the transport we would take to get off Deneb.

There had been almost no talk. Only that conversation which was required to get us away ensued.

We boarded after a check for ambush, and launched. Eoin came back to my seat with a clean, soft silk throw and a pillow. “Sleep, I’ll sit here and watch for you. We’ve got 4 days to fly, and you need the break.”

I turned haunted eyes on him. “Did you get Klinton back? Is there news?”

He shook his head. “He had not returned before I located your beacon. But, we are watching the docks, and if he’s being returned after the exchange, he should arrive today. The men assigned to him will run him to the hospital and have him checked out, and he will have the same beacon implanted beneath his skin that you have. Slightly different frequency, but I’m not going to lose either one of you again.”

I absorbed that information. Raavich hadn’t done the exchange the way I’d expected. Now I would have to wait to see if Klinton was returned at all. Then there would be all of the complications to face.

I sighed, pulled the throw around me and laid the seat back. Sleep claimed me quickly, but the nightmares remained. There were several times I came awake bolt upright with a scream on my lips. And through it all, Eoin simply watched, and waited.

[Klinton Caer]

My captors had either lied when they said I wouldn’t be harmed any further if Azjah complied, or Azjah had not complied. There was abuse. And a lot of it.

Stripped naked and chained like an animal. I am spending my conscious moments trying to become unconscious again. The pain is too much. Half the time I awake, and I feel the pain of fresh wounds…I don’t even remember receiving them. Days must have gone by….perhaps weeks.

I hear them approaching, laughing. I lay still…hoping they will pass by. They don’t.

I am picked up by three men, and carried out of the ship…to another ship. “Where are you taking me?” I yelled through swollen lips.

There was laughter. “Your pretty little lady friend came. You get to go home. I wouldn’t expect to see her again though.” They laughed again. “I think she kind of likes it here.”

I gritted my teeth, struggled for a moment, but still being chained it was useless. The comments about Azjah’s torture continued. Physical abuse I could take, humiliation, I could take….but this….knowing that she was being abused because of my own actions…that was too much. I shut my good eye, and prayed to awake safe, at the Palazzo, with Azjah next to me.

The sounds around me let me know that it was not a dream. I was thrown into another cargo bay, and there was a sharp pain on my head, before I drifted off once again.



“Go out and sweep the area. We don’t want anyone jumping us.” Those were the first words I heard when I awoke. There was more muffled conversation. I had been blindfolded at some point. I did not know where I was. Soon enough I was picked up again. The chains were exchanged for leather straps, my ankles and wrists burned from the wounds they had left. There was a loud rumbling, and then silence. I sat in silence for a few moments. And then footsteps.

“Klinton…Klinton, can you walk?” I shook my head. The slightest movement and I would throw up. “My name is Benjamin.” The footsteps closed in. “I am employed by Mr. Griogar. I am here to help.” The deep sigh from my chest must have told him that I understood. “Here….take these.” Benjamin spoke again, placing two pills in my mouth, and a glass of water. I hesitated. “They will help you sleep.” Not being in any position to argue, I swallowed the pills as Benjamin unbound my wrists and ankles.

Within moments, I was asleep again.




When I awoke again I was in a hospital bed. The light shining through the window burned my eye. The person sitting beside the bed quickly rose and shut the blinds. In the semi darkness my left eye adjusted to the light. “Mr. Caer, Glad to have you with us.”

The voice was familiar, and the man moved back to his seat beside the bed.

“This is Benjamin. I have been appointed to Mr. Griogar’s staff.” I nodded. The pain was dulled, although my body still ached. “You have been captured and released by Saart’ze rebels. I picked you up two days ago. You have been here since then.”

I wasn’t really listening. I could feel myself drifting off again. I wouldn’t be awake long. There was only one thing I needed to know. I winced as I licked my lips to speak. A hoarse “Azjah” came out.

“Azjah has been rescued. Eoin and she are on their way back.”

I sighed deep again. Finally, I shut my eye again, aware of the patch over my right eye. This time, there was a little peace.

Azjah was okay….Azjah was okay…Azjah wa………….

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

I woke up with a start, jumping into a sitting position to find Eoin still sitting in front of me.

"We have news. Klinton's been recovered. He was left at the docks, bound, but he's resting comfortably in a private room at the hospital."

I could tell he wasn't telling me everything. "Eoin, what did they do to him? I really do need to know."

"Well, you know, it's early. They just found him, and I don't have the hospital report yet."

I studied him silently. "Eoin, I know Raavich had him blinded."

Eoin's gaze darted to the walls and then back to me. "Yes Marchioness, his right eye has been destroyed. He's been beaten, severely. Beyond that, I truly do not know."

I rose from the reclining chair and walked around the small space I shared only with Eoin. They had returned him. Thank whatever deities watch over us.

"Eoin? Is Raavich still alive?"

Eoin smiled a smile I hope never to see again. "No."

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

We are one day out from arriving in RhyDin. The news coming from the hospital to Eoin is good. Klinton will survive, but seems to have memory loss regarding the events of the night of his abduction.

The small space of our transport grows claustrophobic for me. Eoin maintains a sufficient distance from me, but I grow worried about returning to the public venue. I've spent hours thinking about what has happened, and the wounds at my wrists and ankles, the bruises which are turning horrific colors all remind me of these last days. I am not ready to walk back into the public places.

I want the safety and security of the Palazzo. I want to be alone for awhile to sort out what has happened, and yet, I want more than anything to see Klinton myself. Reports are one thing, I want to see him ..... and I need to know how he will react to me.

He's been kidnapped, beaten, blinded by a bunch of animals he'd never have come into contact with if he had not met me. Would he blame me?

I paced restlessly, and all the while Eoin simply watched. He'd not initiated conversation, for which I am profoundly thankful. No excuses from him, which also is a blessing.

Time was both my friend and enemy. If I was going home to be rejected.... with a sigh, I dropped again to the seat.

Brigath. I want to talk to my old friend, my old confidante.

[Azjah von Drachen Walde]

Brigath held the invisible door open with the dramatic flare that I had always loved about him. His other arm swept forward to invite me into the Tower of Air. Brig is ever the galante, and I gave him my very best court curtsey before telling him "Thank You."

He reached for my elbow to lead me to an alcove, and as his hand touched me, I felt my entire body tense. I buried it quickly, hoping he would not notice, but I've known Brigath a very long time, and he's keenly aware of many things, and the tense flinch of an old love would not go unnoticed.

The alcove was actually a shaft that lifted us to the higher reaches of the Tower. We passed several stepping off points before he did finally exit near a room by the top of the tower. "I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to make myself available."