And here's chapter two. Enjoy.
Warning; Rating may change.
Chapter 2
The Carnival was in full swing when Isranda finally led me and the rest of the Temple Maidens down into the city. A thousand bright colours swirled together, blurring the edges of the dancers as they twirled around the space that had been made in the middle of the city's Market Square. I watched them in rapt facsination as a dancer skipped over to the edge of the space and right up to me, handing me a small, brightly coloured flower. I looked at the mask face, frowning. That feeling was back--the one that said 'You should know who this is'.
Before I could ask, the dancer who wore the mask made of jade skipped but to the rest of the group, falling into the rythym and spinning around and around. My gaze dropped to the flower. It was small, not event half the size of my palm, with five dark blue, evenly spaced, perfect petals. The centre of it was dark, dark red and the inch long stem was a brilliant shade of dark green. I stared at it. This was the Aisha flower and it was very, very rare. I'd never seen one, but Isranda had been teaching us about them.
And it was the flower I was named after.
I looked up, trying to find the jade-mask-wearing dancer but I couldn't pick him out from among the blur of colours. Dropping my gaze back to the flower, I curled both hands around it. This was special. Precious. And Isranda would want to see it. I smiled, touching the petals softly and closed my eyes. I saw a vast field beyond the borders of a forest. In it were thouands upon thousands of little blue flowers. Aisha flowers.
"What's this?" someone asked and I jerked my hands close to my chest, eyes flying open. A young man stood before me, smiling. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to scare you, but I was curious. What do you have there, hidden behind your fingers?"
For some reason, I just didn't want him to see it. I narrowed my gaze at him, backing up a step. He stood between me and the dancers. I looked past him and saw one of the dancers pause long enough to look in my direction. I saw the jade mask. My gaze flickered back to the man before me.
"Lord Devan Ialu Chaviva," he said and bowed. "I'm close to His Highness, the Prince. I saw you from a distance and wondered what you were." He tilted his head to one side, his eyes roaming over me. He appeared to be studying me. I frowned at him. "I assume you know what you are, correct?"
"I apologize, my Lord, but I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm just a Temple Maiden," I replied and turned to leave. He grabbed my arm, holding me back. I twisted to look at him. "It is against Temple Law to touch a Maiden without her consent." He didn't let go.
"I think you know what I'm talking about," he insisted. From the corner of my eye, I saw the jade-masked dancer move closer. Close enough to overhear our conversation. "I know you'll resist," Lord Devan added without looking at me. "But I must insist that you come with me." He didn't look away from whatever it was he was looking at and I didn't ask.
I tore my arm out of his hold, making sure I didn't drop the flower. "I don't think I'll be going anywhere with you," I hissed, pressing the hand that was curled around the precious little flower to my chest. I didn't trust this man. He stepped right up to me, grabbed my arm again. His grip was tight and hard enough to bruise.
"Yes, you will," he hissed back, tugging me close to him. I struggled and his grip tightened painfully. I let out a little gasp of pain and subsided. I was definitely going to run as soon as he let his guard down. "Right now." He tugged me away from the edge of the open space and into the crowd. I glanced behind me and saw the dancer with the jade mask. It seemed like he was watching us. "And then you're going to explain the burn on my friend's hand."
I started, swinging around to face him. "What?" I asked as he half-dragged me along.
"You heard me," he said. His voice was stern. It brooked no arguments. I stopped struggling and let him lead me to wherever it was he was leading me. "You're something," he muttered as we walked. I tried to remember which way we were going, but with so many people packed into the Market Square, it was almost impossible to see. "Really something. You know his hand is badly burnt?"
"I don't know what you're talking about!" I shouted, drawing the attention of several nearby people. They barely gave us a glance. And I was wearing the Temple colours too! Of course, I did know what he was talking about. The man who had me pinned to a wall with a blade at my throat the other night. I knew, but I wasn't going to let him know that.
He suddenly stepped sideways into an alley, pulling me with him. "Yes, you do," he snarled, shoving me up against the wall. "You know very well what you did!" He was shouting now, and no one out in the Square was even giving us a second look. "I saw it! I saw what you did to him!"
"I don't know what you're talking about!" I said, raising my voice again. I was on the verge of panicking, or breaking down sobbing. I was scared and I hated to admit it. I knew, if he let me go, that I'd be shaking. A lot. "Help!" I screamed. No one looked our way.
A small sound behind him had us frozen. A moment later, he pulled me away from the wall and turned towards it. A man stood there, his face twisted in pain. I recognised him as the man who'd held a dagger to my throat. He stumbled into the wall. Devan dragged me over to him.
"See?" he asked, pointing to the man's left hand. It was completely red, burnt. The skin was all wrinkled up and the man's hand was twisted into a useless claw, the bones seemingly fused together. I stared at him in horror. "See what you did?" Devan hissed, throwing me down at the other man's feet. I landed on my knees, painfully.
Gasping, I looked up at the man. His arms were uncovered, and as I watched, the raw, burnt reddness crept further up his arm. I noticed that it was almost to his shoulder. It was horrific. I stared at the other man in growing horror and disgust. I had done that? I had done this to a man because he'd tried to touch me?
"I didn't know," I whispered, eyes brimming with tears. My disgust and horror at what I'd done had leaked into me voice. It broke on my next words, "I didn't know." The tears started leaking done my face, but I didn't sob. I just cried, silently.
"Don't you know better, Devan?" Slow, measured footsteps followed the question and I looked up, searching for the source. He stood there, watching us. The jade mask was in his hand. I stared at him, sitting back on my heels. I tried to ignore the burnt man before me, all my attention on him.
"Soren," Devan sneered. Soren didn't appear to react. He just gazed right into my eyes. They really were sad. I blinked and his gaze had moved. "I didn't know you liked pretty little virgins." I was jerked upright and held there, next to Devan. His nose skimmed my neck. "And she's very pretty," he commented. I saw Soren stiffen, but otherwise he betrayed nothing. "I'm going to like breaking her in."
Soren reacted to that comment. He took a step forward, drawing a sword from only the gods knew where. He levelled it at Devan. "Let her go," he said, his voice calm and chilly. "And maybe I won't kill you."
Devan snorted. I twisted to look up at him. He gave Soren a cold look and leaned down to brush his lips over my tear stained cheek. I jerked my head away but he grabbed a handful of hair and jerked it back. This time, he kissed me on the lips. And broke the oldest rule the Temple had.
Suddenly, I was pushed away from him and into the wall. I looked up to see Soren and Devan fighting. Soren's sword was blocked by one Devan had drawn. Where had he kept that? I watched as Soren backed up a step, moving to circle Devan. Devan followed his movements, gaze locked with the other man's. I stared, mesmerized, as they fought. It was like they were dancing.
Suddenly, Soren lunged and Devan made a move to block it. He missed, and ended up thrown into the alley wall opposite me. I jumped when Soren was suddenly beside me, helping me up. I looked past him to see Devan holding his side. Blood welled up between his fingers.
"You'll pay for this, Soren," Devan hissed. "And so will she." He laughed, wincing when it pulled at his wounds. "She's Tainted now." He grinned and Soren moved to block my view of him.
"Don't listen to him," he whispered, pulling me close. He glanced towards Devan. "Next time, Devan, you'll be dead." With that, he lead me out of the alley at a fast pace. I looked up in time to see him putting the mask back on. His sword had vanished.
I frowned at him, twisting to try and see him better. "You gave me the flower," I said. He nodded and didn't say anything. "Thank you." He grunted and still didn't say anything. I looked away, frowning. He stopped and ran a thumb over my cheek, wiping away my tears.
"I'm sorry you had to see that," he murmured. I couldn't see anything but his eyes when I looked up. They were sad; they always looked sad. "I wish you were like any normal girl," he added thoughtfully. I scowled at him. He chuckled and turned away. We started walking again.
"Why did you save me?" I asked. He didn't answer. He just withdrew his arm and stepped back. I shot him a look. We had reached the edge of the crowd. Beyond him were the dancers. His eyes seemed to look right through me, right down to my bones. And then he turned away, disappearing into the group of dancers as they span past me. I tried to find him again, but couldn't. Either I was blind or he just didn't want me to see him.
Sighing, I turned away and opened up my closed hand. The flower still sat there, slightly crushed but still as beautiful as ever. I smiled and turned away from the dancers to find my Mistress and the other Temple Maidens.
When I finally caught up with them, Caira was giving me a strange look. I stared right back at her until she finally looked away. Smiling, I followed along and kept looking at the flower in my hands. I was lucky. It was rare, and Soren was the one who had given it to me.
An image of the burnt man came back to me and I shuddered. To think I had done that because he'd touched me when I didn't want him to. It was horrible. I was going to make sure it never happened again.
By the time we got back to the temple, I was emotionally exhuasted. And I was shaking again. I didn't think it was a good thing, and besides, I had to tell Isranda now. She had to know that someone wanted me dead. Yes, Isranda had to know. I knew she wouldn't want one of her precious Maidens killed.
So I found myself crossing the main hall and entering the far corridor, footsteps echoing in the empty room. Isranda always retired to this hall when she left the evening prayers. The hall was short and empty. A set of double doors stood at the far end. As I drew closer to them, I took note of the intricate designs carved into the dark wood. I understood none of them, but they were beautiful.
The door on my left opened before I reached it and Isranda looked out before retreating into the semi-darkness beyond. I slipped into the room and pushed the door shut behind me. The room beyond was too dark to define, but I saw the raging fire over to my left and headed towards it. A low table sat before it and across from where I now stood, Isranda sat. The table was set out for tea and a snack. I didn't recognize any of the foods on the table.
Isranda wasn't looking at me; she was reading something. I frowned at it, trying to think of what it could be. Finally, I glimpsed it clearer. She was reading a book. "Sit," she said without looking up. I sat quickly, crossed legged. She snapped the book shut and put it down on the table, to my right. Then, and only then, did she look up and meet my eyes. "You came here for counsel?" she asked, straight to the point. I nodded. "Give me your hand, Aisha," she prompted, extending one hand over the table.
I hesitated, gaze flickering from the hand to her face. She was extremely serious about this. I didn't want to touch her; somehow, I knew I'd see something I didn't want to. She sighed but didn't move her hand. I met her gaze and froze. If I did this, I would either be free or she would be furious. I was counting on her being the latter.
"Take my hand, child," she said and her vocie was stern. She was not going to let me argue or try to weasel my way out of this. I had come here for counsel and she wasn't letting me leave until I had it. With great reluntance, I reached out and took her hand. As soon as our skin touched, my mind went blank.
I don't remember what happened next, but I felt her let go and I almost fell over. Instead, I slumped sideways, holding the table for support. I was panting as if I'd run across the city and back and sweat was cooling on my skin. When I looked up, Isranda was watching me, a frown on her face. She seemed to be thinking about something. I didn't want to ask; didn't want to know the answer to the question on my lips. I didn't ask it, though. I just watched he watching me.
"I see," was all she said for a long moment. She poured us tea and served us a plate each of the strange food on the table. And then she said, very quietly, "Why didn't you tell me?"
I looked away, not wanting to met her questioning gaze. She didn't pry. She just picked up her teacup and sipped her drink before placing it back on the table. I swallowed, closing my eyes. She was thinking. I suddenly just knew she was. I waited for her to speak and I didn't have to wait long.
"You may stay," she said and leaned on the table, giving me a strange look. I caugh it out of the corner of my eyes. "I'm not sending you away because someone is out to assassinate you. I don't leave my girls to die. And I'm not sending you away because that man kissed you. If you had kissed him back, maybe I would consider it. But no. That is not what this Temple is about." She shook her head and lowered her gaze. "This Temple serves the people. It is a Sanctuary for the lost and forgotten, for those who have nothing else left. Why do you think I take in babes without parents or with parents who don't want them? It's a better life than one on the streets."
I kept my face adverted. She had a point, though. And I could acknowledge it. I nodded slowly and wiped at my face when I fet something wet trickle down my cheeks. I hadn't realized that I had started crying. Isranda made a strange noise and coughed to cover it.
"You may leave now, Aisha," she said softly. "And please, do feel free to come back whenever you need someone to talk to."
I nodded again and rose, turning away and heading for the door. Isranda was silent behind me. I didn't dare look back, afraid of what I might see. After a moment, I left the room, closing the thick, wooden door behind me. It was only after I'd returned to my rooms in the Inner Sanctuary that I remember that I hadn't told Isranda about the flower. I sighed and slipped into bed. It was too late now; I could tell her later, Probably tomorrow.
It was late when I heard the noise from outside. Shouting and the sound of fighting. It was odd; the Temple disliked fighting. It wasn't what we were about. Wait a minute. Was that Isranda yelling? I shot upright in bed. Yes, it was. Oh, no. I threw off my blankets and skipped out of bed, completely forgetting about my slippers. I raced out into the temple's main courtyard dressed in only a very thin slip of a nightgown. Isranda stood facing several men--all wore hoods and had them pulled up over their heads; I couldn't see thair faces. What was going on here?
I rushed forwards and straight into Isranda's arm. "Stay back," she told me and I glanced towards her. She held a sword and a dagger. What in all of Asyra? "Let me handle them." She gave me a push backwards, indicating that I should go back inside. I took a step backwards, confused.
One of the hooded men laughed. "Like going back inside the Temple will stop us." Isranda shot him a glare. He threw the hood back. Devan. I should have known. "She's coming with us, Isranda," he told my Mistress. "Unless you want more than the one to go missing?" Isranda glanced my way.
"This is about what you saw the other night, isn't it?" she asked me. I looked away. She snorted and I heard a thud which was closely followed by a grunt and another thud. I looked back in time to see one of the hooded men race to Devan's side. He was on his back, the dagger in his right shoulder. Isranda had thrown her dagger. I could only stare as the hooded man helped Devan up.
Devan glared in my direction before flicking that glare over to Isranda. "You will pay for that one day," he snarled. "As for now. I just want her." He jerked his head in my direction.
Isranda shot me a sharp look. I knew what she wanted me to do. She wanted me to stay here....but if I did that, I'd put the entire Temple at risk. I couldn't do that. I watched Devan closely. His movements were stiff, but he held steady and grabbed the dagger's handle. I glanced towards my Mistress. She was smirking.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," she said, quite calmly. This was a side to the Temple's High Priestess that I had never seen before. It was both frightening and intriguing.I wasn't exactly scared of her, but I was scared of the men opposite Isranda. Speaking of which.. Isranda had moved in front of me.
"Just give me the damn girl!" Devan shouted. He still had a good grip on the dagger's hilt, but he wasn't pulling it out yet. He companion was standing beside him, silent and still. Waiting. I knew what that looked like. My gaze drifted back to my Mistress.
"No." Isranda's voice was firm and final. She wasn't going to give me to them. I took a deep breath and moved to Isranda's side, laying a hand on her arm. Her gaze shot to me and met my steady one.
"I'll go with him," I said, making sure Devan heard me. Isranda gave me a sad look. I sighed. "I'll be fine," I whispered, for her ears only. She gave me a nod and backed up a step, still wary. I took another deep breathe and stepped away from Isranda. Devan was laughing, still mostly leaning on his hooded friend. I crossed the courtyard slowly, wary of Devan and his small group of so-called friends. I doubted they were here out of friendship--more like money.
As soon I was closed enough, he lunged forwards and grabbed me, dragging me into him. I could only imgaine the look on Isranda's face--an I didn't dare check. Anything could happen when I took my eyes off the man before me. "Good girl," he sneered and shoved me towards one of his hooded friends. The other man caught me and I looked towards Devan in time to see him bow to Isranda. "Pleasure donig business with you," he said and straightened up, wincing. "I'll be seeing you, Mistress." Oh, gods. He was mocking her.
I looked past him to see Isranda. I couldn't be sure, but she looked like she was disgusted by his actions. I couldn't blame her. Devan frightened me. Isranda didn't move as the hooden man dragged me from the courtyard. I didn't fight him, but I sure did want to. It would've been pointless anyway. The man was clearly stronger than me--and they had weapons while I didn't. I barely even know how to use a kitchen knife, let alone a sword or dagger!
Devan didn't stop until we had turned turned down so many alleys and side streets that I was completely and utterly lost. And then, when we finally stopped, he snatched me off the other man and threw me into the wall, diliberately making sure I got a few good scratches on my face. Wincing, I knelt on the ground, holding a hand to my face. I probably had a bruise now.
"Well, now," he sneered, crouching down nearby. He seemed to be studying me. I glanced his way and swallowed when I saw the look he was giving me. I was in trouble now, there was no doubt about that. "What shall we do with you now, ex-Temple Maiden?"
I looked away. That was what I was now, wasn't it? No longer a Temple Maiden and I would probably never see the Temple again. I felt like crying, but I wouldn't give him the satisifaction of seeing my tears a second time.
"Why don't you just slit her throat already, Devan," commented one of the others. Devan chuckled and the alley fell silent. I didn't look up, afraid of what I might see if I did.
"No," he said and this time I did look up. Devan was grinning at me. "I like her alive. More fun, don't you think?"
Silence. I glanced towards the men who were flanking Devan and me. They were just standing there, waiting. My gaze drifted back to Devan. He stood and stared down at me. What was he going to do now? I dreaded what was to come. He turned back to me with a considering look.
"Knock her out," he ordered, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want her seeing where we're headed." Two of the hooded men approached me. One yanked me up onto my knees and the other hit me across the face with the handle of his sword. Everything went black.
