Taran Highflyer Part 5

Here's chapter five. Please comment!

-Point

Taran

Painful memories rushed through my mind. Things that I had tried to ignore surfaced. The shock of finally understanding that the brother I had known was dead caught up to me. I remembered hearing him laugh and smile at me like I truly mattered to him. I felt shattered and could only watch from the back of my mind as past events unfolded in my mind. Events that took place nearly seven years ago and ten years after I finally returned to live with my brother after being separated from him for so long.

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"Taran and Conor do seem to get along very well Raul."

"Yes, they're absolutely inseparable."

"For our purposes, that is very good. If we convince one of them they might help us convince the other."

"What if neither of them turn? I know that Taran won't be easy, her mother gave her a very strong sense of what is right and I do not think that this would qualify."

"If that happens we have other methods of persuasion we can resort to."

"When do we start?"

"We start at dinner tonight..."

"Yes brother. I will see you there."

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When I entered the hall with Conor at dinner time a surprising sight met our eyes. Father was not alone at the head of the table as usual but instead was sitting next to a guest. Judging by the fact that father wore his best clothes we guessed that the man was quite important.

"Good evening father," we greeted him as usual.

"Good evening children," he replied, "I would like to introduce you to our guest His Royal Highness King Cyan of Äyerwhen. He is also my brother and your uncle."

"Greetings your majesty," we chorused in unison.

"Father, isn't King James the king?" I asked him, confused.

"Hold your tongue child," my father told me angrily, slapping me across the face.

"It's alright Raul, I am not offended. It is good that she wishes to learn." the stranger interrupted my father.

"You are correct child; King James was the king of Äyerwhen. But that is no longer. He was poisoned earlier this month and with your father's permission I have come to claim you as part of my court."

"What if we don't want to be part of your court?" I asked him suspiciously. He seemed friendly but I sensed something behind his kindly voice. It was sinister and cruel. I was afraid of him and I didn't like it.

"That is not an option." he told me,

"Because I have already claimed you, with your father's permission of course. But as I can see that you are having a hard time agreeing with the decision I will allow you some time to speak with your brother about this. You have till this time tomorrow, at that time you will inform us if you would consent to be part of my court. Now, how about some dinner."

"Conor, what did you think of what our uncle had to say?" I asked Conor as we galloped through the forest, discussing what we had been told.

"It doesn't sound honest at all. And the way they talked about it, like we don't have any choice, it scares me. What will they do to us if we refuse to join the court?" I was worried and Conor must have sensed that.

"Don't worry Taran. No matter what happens, I will protect you as long as you never leave me here alone. I promise." he sounded confident, but I still worried.

"Thank you Conor, but seriously, are you going to go along with them?" I was desperate. I had to know that Conor would do the right thing and refuse father. After a moment's hesitation he answered slowly,

"No I will not go along with them. You needn't worry about me Taran," neither of us knew how untrue that would turn out to be.

Dinner the next day was very awkward and uncomfortable. We waited silently for father or uncle to break the silence but they seemed to enjoy our discomfort. Finally uncle cleared his throat and addressed us.

"Have you two decided to accept my offer or not?" his voice was polite and calm, as if we were just having some normal dinnertime conversation.

"Before I answer that uncle I have some questions for you. I hope you don't mind answering them for me."

"Go ahead, ask away," his tone of voice made it sound like I had just asked what he thought of the weather.

"How is it that you became king? I know you weren't next in line for the crown. The king's son was to be his heir and take the thrown when he died."

"It was to be so, but his son was strangled to death by one of the footmen. One of my soldiers had threatened to kill the man's family unless he did so. Fortunately for us they were both caught and hung for their crimes," he smiled at me and I gasped, grasping what he meant. He had ordered one of his men to force the footman to kill the prince and then he'd covered his tracks by having them both killed.

"Were you behind the death of the king as well?" I managed to choke out.

Instead of answering my question he rang for the footman and signaled for him to clear away the remains of our dinner. When we were alone once more Cyan said,

"It is unwise to accuse your King of treason."

"But......" I protested.

"No buts! Now I have answered your question but you have not answered mine yet. What is your choice, yes or no?"

"I refuse your offer." I didn't care if he was king, I didn't trust him.

"Conor, what is your choice?" He hesitated for a moment and I held my breath.

"My decision is the same as Taran's," he replied finally.

Cyan frowned and nodded before ringing for the footman again. Twice.

The footman entered with dessert and after serving us, left the room once more. It looked like that was the end of the subject and I was surprised. Conor and I looked at each other and shrugged, digging into the custard. Immediately I spat it out and reached for my water. I had tasted a sleeping tonic in the food. I was too late though and I began to feel the tonics affects. Conor collapsed next to me and I slumped to the floor beside him. As I sank into unconsciousness I saw Cyan and father watching us. My last thought was, "They planned this."