Since this is a rather long chapter, I'll break it up based on where I've put scene breaks. This first part of the chapter probably needs a little work as far as description goes, but it works for now. I have more concern about the next part, any way.
It's important to read the previous prologue/chapter (especially the prologue) before reading this one for continuity's sake, so here are the links:
Part two will be posted after a few critiques/responses/whatever have been given.
[pre:985af6a59f]Chapter Two:
Cesarina's Return
The land of the Levana Empire had changed. It was hardly recognizable to Cesarina, who stood there trying to let her mouth gape open in shock of how different things were.
The palace of the Empress, which had once had tall, crystal gates, now had black iron gates you couldn’t even see the palace over. The streets that once bustled with people barely had anyone else in them.
“What . . . what happened here?” Cesarina’s voice was hoarse as she tried to speak.
“The Catchers happened,” Rais replied sarcastically. “They’ve scared everyone pretty badly. We should probably head out of the streets before they come. If they find any Levian’s out here, they’ll want to take you for questioning.”
“Questioning? But why-“ Cesarina was cut off.
“Shh,” Casden said. They could hear voices up ahead. “Catchers are coming.”
The group ran down the street ahead of them and turned down another. Casden found the first door he could that belonged to a store and opened it, holding it open until everyone had entered.
Inside, there were lots of shelves filled with glass bottles of all sizes and medicinal herbs.
“Tyvan, are you here?” Casden asked.
A moment later, a man came from the back of the store. He was older, in his forties and stood at an average height.
“Casden? What are you doing here?” Tyvan asked. At his neck he wore an amulet with the crest of the Levian Empire, which Cesarina immediately recognized. He was not only a man of great importance, but was a member of the Empress’s council. She snuck to the back of the group, hoping she wouldn’t be noticed.
“Catchers were in the streets,” Casden replied. “We have a friend who can’t be caught by them and is hurt.” He turned and looked to where Cesarina stood, trying to hide behind Kelesana. “It’s alright. He won’t hurt you.”
Cesarina looked at her friends, who stepped back and nudged her forward. She stood next to Casden and looked at Tyvan.
“We were on Earth and some Catchers caught up with us. Ces was shot with one of the arrows. She’s a native Levian,” Casden explained.
“Hmm.” Tyvan eyed Cesarina for a moment before turning and grabbing two stools and a pouch from one of the shelves, offering one of the stools to Cesarina. Cesarina sat, taking her shirt partially off and pulling it up so he could see the wound. Tyvan sat next to Cesarina and untied the cloth, looking over her wound carefully before starting to apply some of the mushed herb in his pouch onto her shoulder.
The group was silent as all but Rais, who was on the look out for Catchers, watched. Tyvan cleared his throat as he continued working.
“You’re the outcast the Council banished ten years ago.” It wasn’t a question.
Cesarina thought she felt her heart skip a beat. She turned her head and opened her mouth to reply, but he cut her off.
“I can see the Burn on your shoulder. There aren’t many who carry such a burdon on their shoulders.”
“What makes you think I was banished ten years ago?” Cesarina asked.
“Because I recognize you. I was at the pathetic excuse of a trial they held for you. Unfortunately I was not yet at a position of power that could save you from the fate they sentenced you to,” Tyvan replied.
“Tyvan, we’re going to need to speak to the Council,” Faolan said. “Cesarina is as good as dead if she goes back there without the proper protection.”
“That’s why we need your promise of protection,” Casden said. “I didn’t want to put you in that position, but with everything the catchers are doing, we don’t have a choice.”
Tyvan nodded slowly, considering this as he worked on Cesarina’s arm. He took a new piece of cloth and wrapped it around her arm.
“Consider Cesarina protected, then,” he said after a moment. “I never believed you committed the crime the accused you of, Cesarina. And the way they punished you was just . . . well, I think you know.
“Thank you, sir,” Cesarina said.
“Now, as for this arm . . . the arrow didn’t go too deep. This salve I put on the wound will help to get rid of the poison. Your life force might weaken a bit until you’re healed, but you should be fine otherwise. When do you plan on speaking with the Council?” Tyvan looked at Casden.
“As soon as they grant us an audience,” Casden replied with a shrug.
“I wish you luck, then. I’ll be heading back to the palace as well, so you’ll see me there.”
Casden nodded, and after the group said their good-byes to Tyvan, they left the shop and went into the streets, heading toward the palace.[/pre:985af6a59f]
