Chapter 34

Amy paced back and forth across the living area, stopping to look out of the window every so often. She gave a little helpless sigh before turning away from the window and resuming her pacing. A few moments later, she heard footsteps coming from the hallway and turned to look at the door hopefully.

Devnet stepped into the room and chose to ignore the slight lowering of Amy’s shoulders. She knew who Amy had been expecting. Not that Jules would have made it that far without the entire castle being in an uproar about it. For the arrival of the one man in charge of the entire army fighting at the border would indeed signify that something was terribly wrong.

She glanced around the room and asked, “Where are the girls?”

Amy rolled her eyes and gestured towards the stairs. “We could all see that Nikki wasn’t feeling well even though she was trying to hide it, so we sent her up to bed. Kris and Evelyn insisted on staying with her until she fell asleep.”

Devnet shook her head, “Well then, I guess it’s safe to say she isn’t getting any sleep soon.” As Amy nodded, Devnet continued. “I just spoke to Zach. Jules and Kegan are holding the border well. The rebels keep doing the same thing, attacking suddenly then pulling back just as suddenly.”

Amy frowned, “Like they are trying to weaken them first.”

Devnet nodded, “Yes, but they aren’t succeeding. Charles came up with that really good electronic force field that is keeping the guns out and Jules managed to round up some soldiers who are extremely good with their telekinesis to stop the bombs from reaching the walls and destroying them. They’ve all been dispersed throughout the border to fight the bombs and Jules says a few of them have gotten good enough to send the bombs back into the rebels before it explodes.”

Amy nodded, “Do you think those force fields Charles came up with will hold up?”

“We are hoping they will until Charles comes up with something stronger. He’s been here working round the clock for something even better. And Zachary and Marcus have been here working on building a weapon to counter both the guns and the bombs.”

Amy sighed, “I hope the information I gave them was able to help them, although I still don’t think it was enough.”

“Zach says it has helped, plus the information Jules has sent back to us has helped too.”

Amy made her way back to the window and stared out for a few moments.

“Amy,” Devnet walked up to her friend, “Jules is fine. He’s been staying behind the borders with Kegan commanding all of the troops and communicating with Zachary, Marcus, and Charles over here.”

“I know, I know.” Amy turned to look at Devnet with worry in her eyes. “It’s been almost a month since Xavier was taken and this whole thing started. There’s been no word at all and we’ve never even seen this Valin or Xavier. What if something has already happened? And Nikki is getting weaker even though she won’t admit it.”

“Nikki said she would know…”

“I know what she said Devnet, I was there. But what if she’s saying that to make herself believe it? She can’t hold on that much longer, even you can see the weight she’s already lost.”

Devnet turned to look out of the window in silence. Finally she spoke softly. “We have to have faith in what she says. If she says Xavier is still alive, then I have to believe her. He’s all the hope we have left. Maybe she is being strong for the sake of her son, but we have to hope what she says is true. I know we need Xavier back, but we can’t get him back unless we can find him and the scouts still have no clue where he could be.”

Amy shook her head, “What about Teether, couldn’t he find Xavier?”

“He’s already been sent to the border, but Teether says something is blocking him from locating Xavier. Teether can’t feel his tooth at all. Charles believes they may have something more than the weapons we’ve already seen. He thinks they may have access to some means of negating powers like ours.”

Amy frowned, “I thought everyone down here had powers like yours.”

Devnet shook her head, “No. Even those who have powers may not have strong ones. You know that is why Xavier stayed at the wall to repair it. His telekinesis powers are much stronger than Charles or Zach’s. And both Evelyn and Charles have the best mind warping abilities. Zach’s strengths lie in his quickness and his fighting skills. He and his father come from a line of great commanders.”

“So those rebels don’t have strong powers?”

“Those rebels don’t have any powers at all. In essence, they are the most like humans of us all.”

“Are you saying they can’t even shape shift?”

Devnet nodded, “That’s what I am saying. Even if they could, it would be a struggle to hold the form and it may not even be a complete change.”

Amy shuddered at that thought. She’d already witnessed several of the Wahani changing, even Nikki. The thought of one of them not completing the change was disturbing. “So why can’t they?”

Devnet shrugged, “None of us really know. It’s sort of an abnormality in our world. What some of the healers believed happened is that somewhere down the line the Wahani mated with humans and the rebels are the result. I guess the bloodlines got diluted or something like that since I know of a few Wahani-human mixed bloods. Nikki is one of them.”

“So, Nikki and Xavier’s children could possibly be born human?”

“I don’t know. At this point what the healers say is still speculation. And we already know that Nikki’s son is a full Wahani, he’s connected with both his parents while still in the womb. That to me tells me he’s Wahani.”

“Couldn’t it have been because they are ulhi’maos?”

Devnet shook her head, “No, their being ulhi’maos connects them to each other. Granted, it means Nikki needs more from Xavier and vice versa to survive, but it’s not supposed to effect their offspring.” She frowned, “I don’t think I’m explaining this right, it’s hard when you are not one yourself, but from what I’ve heard. Being an ulhi’maos means you are no longer a half, but a whole. And everything you were is now combined with another, making that whole more powerful than they were separate. Two become one, but their powers are doubled.”

Amy nodded, “I think I get it. So, it just affects the couple involved, not the children.”

“Right. The children may inherit their powers, but they shouldn’t be as powerful as the ulhi’maos couple will be, unless they are lucky enough to find their own. My parents were ulhi’maos, but none of their children ever were, nor did we inherit their combination of powers either. None of us were ever as strong. The only reason the baby was able to connect with Xavier and Nikki is because they are ulhi’maos. I never connected with my children when I carried them. And I have never heard of a human fetus connecting with their Wahani parents.”

“What about those with parents who are ulhi’maos?”

“No. We all thought Nikki would be the first human ulhi’maos, but in the end, she wasn’t completely human. Even now, she seems more Wahani than human. Maybe it’s the connection they share that changes her, I don’t know. Ulhi’maos are still a big mystery to those who aren’t. It’s not something we have ever been able to figure out. It’s such a mystical, sacred bond that no one wants to mess with it.”

Amy was quiet for a while, digesting everything Devnet had told her. It was a few moments later when her head snapped up, “Wait! If Xavier and Nikki share…”

Devnet shook her head. “She can’t communicate with him telepathically. I’ve already asked her if she’s tried and she has. She says he is too far away to reach him. It makes sense especially since Charles believes they have something to nullify our powers. But I think whatever they have isn’t enough to completely sever the bond they share. I believe that is why Nikki says he is still alive.”

Amy nodded as she looked up the staircase, “I hope you’re right, but we need to find a way to bring him back home.”

**********************************************************************

Nikki growled from where she lay amid the sheets. Kristine gave her a sheepish smile, but Evelyn shook her head from where she leaned against the bedpost.

“No Nikki. For the last time, you are not getting up. Just close your eyes and get some sleep,” ordered Evelyn.

Nikki rolled her eyes, “For the last time, Evelyn, how am I supposed to get any sleep with you two hovering over me?”

“I’m not hovering,” replied Evelyn as both she and Nikki turned looks towards Kristine.

Kristine glanced from one girl to the other before she pouted. “What? I’m not hovering either.”

Nikki let out another exasperated growl. “I’m fine! Really! I don’t need to rest anymore.”

“Kris, Evelyn, why don’t you two go take a break and get something to eat?” ordered Devnet as she walked into the room with Amy right behind her.

Both girls looked up and nodded before turning to Nikki and saying their goodbyes. Amy followed the girls out of the room while Devnet stayed behind with her arms folded over her chest.

Nikki pouted, “Devnet…”

“No Nikki. You know better. I am not going to say it again. It’s been almost a month since you’ve had what you needed from your husband. We all know what that means. You can’t hide your weakness. Fighting it or us isn’t going to get you any better. And it certainly won’t help your son any.”

“Lying in bed won’t bring my husband home any sooner either! I need to find him Devnet! I’m positive I’m the only one who can. If I can just get to the border…”

Devnet shook her head, “If Teether or the scouts couldn’t find him, what makes you think you can?”

“I share a connection with him!”

“Charles says they have something to interrupt our powers. Whatever they have has disrupted Xavier’s powers enough so that no one can communicate with him, not even you.”

Nikki shook her head, “No, you’re wrong. I know I could find him if I were closer. If I can still feel him, if I know he’s alive, then I know I can find him.”

Devnet sighed, “Nikki, you know I want to believe you, you know I do. But if I or anyone else allows you to go anywhere near the border while you carry your son. Xavier would have our heads. You know that as long as you carry him, we cannot allow any danger to come near you. You must think of your son first.”

Nikki closed her eyes in defeat. She knew that was the only reason why she wasn’t allowed out of the castle anymore. And she was being confined to her rooms a whole lot more lately.

Devnet went to sit next to her and ran her fingers through Nikki’s hair. “I know it’s frustrating Nikki. But you are getting weaker and you know we have all noticed the weight you have been losing.” Nikki opened her eyes to look up at Devnet with helplessness in her eyes as she continued. “I’m sorry that I have to do this, but from this moment on, we all feel this is for the best. You are to be confined to this room. More specifically to this bed.”

As Nikki opened her mouth to protest, Devnet interrupted. “It’s for your safety Nikki. Yours and the baby’s. Someone will always be here with you, but you cannot leave the room until either Xavier returns or you have your son. Please do this. None of us want to have to forcefully restrain you.”

**********************************************************************

“Commander!” Zachary looked up from the table where he and Marcus were still trying to figure out how to counter the guns that the rebels had when a messenger came running in.

“What is it?” Zachary asked.

“Weapons Master Jules sent me ahead to tell you that Valin is on his way here to talk to you. He is coming with five men and brings a wagon carting a gift for you. They checked it out before letting it thorough. There are no weapons on the wagon and the men only carry spears. They have agreed not to use their weapons if we allow them to come see you and return to their camp safely.”

Marcus frowned, “I take it that he wants to negotiate again since his emissary failed.”

Zachary nodded, “You are right.” To the messenger he said, “Thank you, we will be ready for them.”

As the messenger bowed and walked out, Marcus spoke to Zachary. “You go round up the guards and go out to the gates to meet him. I’ll spread the word that all who are in danger must stay within these walls.”

Zachary nodded and strode towards the front of the castle to prepare for the meeting.

**********************************************************************

Nikki frowned as Evelyn walked into the room. She had been in the process of arguing with Devnet about the unfairness of being confined to her bedroom when a maid had come to say that she needed to speak to Devnet privately. That had been several minutes ago and she hadn’t returned. Instead, it was Evelyn.

As Evelyn shut the door behind her Nikki asked, “What is going on?”

Evelyn shrugged, “Dunno.”

Nikki narrowed her eyes, “Don’t lie Evelyn, I can smell it. What is going on!”

Evelyn sighed, “All I know is that a messenger came and told Zach that someone is coming to the castle to negotiate with him.”

“To the castle? A rebel is coming here?”

“I don’t know. That’s all I heard the maid tell mom before they got too far away for me to hear. Then mom came back in and asked Kristine and Amy to go with her. Then she told me to come up here and to make sure you don’t leave your room at all.”

Nikki turned to look at the door with a frown. After a few seconds she said, “Come on Evelyn, we need to get to the gate.”

“But Nikki, mom said…”

Nikki nodded as she scrambled out of bed, “I know, but whoever it is might have news about Xavier and we have to find out if there’s anyway we can save him!”

Evelyn’s eyes widened as she watched Nikki move around the room, looking for something to quickly change into.

**********************************************************************

As Marcus joined Zachary and Charles on the walkway above the castle gates, they all watched the small group of men and the wagon make its way towards them.

“Everyone has been told to stay inside until they receive word that all danger has passed,” said Marcus.

Zachary nodded, “Good, now let’s see if this is really Valin and what exactly he wants this time.” He turned to look at Charles, “You ready?”

Charles nodded and retrieved what looked like a pair of binoculars from his pocket. “As soon as he gets close enough, I should be able to see what he looks like and if there’s anything else we need to be aware of.”

“Good, go ahead and take your place now. We’ll talk again when this is over.”

Charles nodded and made his way across the walkway until he reached a small alcove and ducked into it. The space was small enough for him to fit into and not be noticed by anyone approaching the gates. However, it allowed him a clear view of anyone who approached.

He got into position and focused the binoculars on the men and wagon who approached the gates. As they came into view, he began to scrutinize each man one by one, watching as they came to a stop not far from the gates. Everyone was aware of the wagon stopping and one of the men standing up in the back of it. One man remained on the seat steering the horses while the other four surrounded the wagon on foot.

The man standing in the back of the wagon lifted his head towards Zachary and Marcus standing on the walkway above the gates. He shouted up to them. “My name is Valin, the leader of the rebels and I have been given reassurance that I can come and state my business then be allowed to return safely with no interference.”

Zachary replied, “Then we will honor those statements and send you on your way once your business here is done.”

“And may I ask who it is that I am addressing?”

“I am Chief Advisor Zachary Grieves, Commander of the Army. And this is Marcus Raneri, father of our King Marcus Xavier Raneri.”

Valin nodded, “Very well then, it is you whom I will talk to.”

Zachary nodded, “State your business, then.”

“I have come once more to ask if you will do as I have demanded before. The royalty must step down and allow me to rule these lands! If you do so peacefully no one shall die! I will allow all of you to live while I rule as King with the Princess Evelyn at my side!”

Zachary frowned, “Did you not get the message we sent back with your emissary? We will not give in to your demands!”

Valin growled, “I do not think you understand the gravity of the situation, Commander. If you refuse, I will kill your King!”

Zachary nodded, “We understand that and still we will not allow you to take over our lands.”

“You would willingly sacrifice your King!” yelled Valin.

“For our people he would sacrifice himself!” replied Zachary.

“Really? Well, why don’t we find out!” With that he bent down and lifted up the cloth that had been strewn across the back of the wagon. Once he’d tossed it aside, he grabbed hold of the man and yanked him to his knees. “Now, ask your King if he won’t mind dying for all of you!”

**********************************************************************

Nikki’s eyes went wide as she realized that it wasn’t just Valin that the wagon had been transporting when he’d yanked Xavier to his knees. She stared in horror as she took in her husband’s appearance. Even from her place in one of the parapets, she could see how torn and bloody his clothes were. He was covered in grime, dirt, blood, and other unnamable things.

She heard Evelyn gasp besides her and she quickly motioned for her to be quiet least someone discover they were there. Turning back to watch, she heard Valin speaking once more.

“Ask your King if he won’t mind dying for all of you! What do you say Xavier? Care to die for all of them?” Valin gripped Xavier’s hair and yanked his head back as he leaned down. “What’s that? I don’t think they heard you! Speak up!”

Zachary’s voice sounded, “How dare you! How dare you bring him here in that state and assume we would give in to you! We will not hand over our lands to a man like you! You cannot possibly think that by mistreating him in front of us that we would give in to your insane demands!”

Valin glared up at Zachary. “Oh is that so? You think you can stand up there and not be affected to what happens to your King? Fine, then watch as he suffers for all of you!”

Valin snapped his fingers and the man closest to him handed him a little device. Valin turned to Xavier and spoke, “They don’t believe I am serious about my threats Xavier. They don’t think I would go through with killing you. Why don’t we show them what I can make you do!”

“I am your new King! Bow to me!” shouted Valin.

Nikki heard the faint growl from Xavier. “Never!”

“I said bow!” roared Valin as he lifted the device in his hand.

Everyone watched as Xavier suddenly flinched and gritted his teeth. It appeared as if he were struggling to remain upright. But they all watched as he slowly bent forward from his waist until his forehead touched the ground. Nikki narrowed her eyes as she realized the device in Valin’s hands was some sort of control that allowed him to make Xavier do the things he asked.

Nikki, I don’t think Xavier’s doing that on his own, came Evelyn’s voice in her head.

He’s not, replied Nikki. It’s the device Valin is holding that’s doing it.

She stared at Xavier as Valin spoke again. “Good boy! Now let’s show them what you can do to yourself.” He held out his hand and his man gave him a stick. “Here, take this!” he commanded.

Xavier reached out and took the stick in his hand.

“Beat yourself on the arm with it.”

Xavier didn’t move, but Nikki could see his jaw clenching.

“I said beat yourself on the arm!”

Once again Xavier began to do as Valin asked, albeit slowly as he continued to clench his jaw.

“Stop!” commanded Valin, who looked up at Zachary. “Shall I go on Commander? Keep in mind that if you continue to deny me I will make him do worse things for you to see!”

Zachary growled, “You will not win, Valin!”

Valin roared, “Beat yourself on the head, Xavier!”

As Xavier began doing that, Nikki reached out for Evelyn who had placed a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming. Nikki hugged the girl to her as she swallowed, but refused to take her eyes off of her husband. She wanted to scream herself because Valin kept saying, “Harder!” And every time he did, Xavier would do it.

Helplessly, she reached out to him. Xavier, can you hear me? How is he doing this? How can we help you?

There was no answer as Xavier continued to do what Valin asked him to do.

Xavier, asepros! Arak nem! Nikki begged.

A few seconds later she heard, Nikki. Hublaz. Trikos ya’lar. Charles.


What? I don’t understand, Xavier. What are you saying?


Ya’lar. Trikos ya’lar!

Nikki gasped as her connection was broken and she nearly screamed as she realized why.

Below them, Valin had taken the stick out of Xavier’s hand and replaced it with a broken spear head his man had given him. Xavier had slashed the inside of his arm with it and was now holding it against his own throat.

“Do you still refuse?” yelled Valin. “Do want to watch him spill his own blood?”

Zachary remained silent.

“Xavier! Stab your leg!”

Nikki grabbed Evelyn tight as they both whimpered and watched as Xavier slammed the spear into his thigh. He gave a strangled cry, but said nothing else.

“Oh look at how far your mighty King has fallen! Do you wish to continue to see him suffer? Or shall I have him end it now?”

This time it was Marcus who answered. “We will not hand over our people to a madman like you!”

“I am not mad! I seek justice! Xavier! Slit your throat!” Valin roared.

As Xavier lifted the spear to his throat, Nikki watched in horror as he closed his eyes. She was so caught up in watching him that she hadn’t realized that Evelyn stood up until she was screaming.

“Nooo! If you kill my brother I will never go willingly to you!”

Nikki cringed as she remained hidden from sight. Everyone else had turned to stare up at Evelyn.

Valin grinned, “Well, well. It seems we have the lovely Princess Evelyn here as well. I must say Xavier, your sister is a beautiful sight. She will make a fine Queen at my side, don’t you think?”

“Kill him and I refuse to be your Queen!”

“Evelyn! What are you doing!” hissed Marcus.

She ignored her father and continued to address Valin. “Do you really think I will do what you want me to do if you kill him right here in front of me? Let him go and I will do as you ask.”

“Evelyn! Stop!” yelled Marcus.

Make. Her. Stop. came Xavier’s voice in Nikki’s head.

Nikki tugged at Evelyn’s skirt and spoke in her head. Evelyn, Xavier wants you to stop.


You can talk to him?


A little. He’s having trouble communicating. I think that collar is doing it. Stop Evelyn.


But, Nikki.


Please, do what he says.

Evelyn glared at Valin once more. “Mark my words, Valin!”

With that, she turned around and began to make her way into the castle. Nikki stayed where she was and peered out at the others again.

Valin growled, “Tell her to come back! I’m not done talking to her! She comes back now and I will spare him!”

“Evelyn will do no such thing! It is as we said before, there is no negotiation to be made! You have said your piece, now return to your place before we decide to kill you right now!” stated Zachary.

“Kill me and your King will join me!” Valin grabbed the spear from Xavier’s hand and slashed him across the cheek before he lifted the device and pressed a button.

Instantly Xavier was jerked to the bottom of the wagon and began writhing around as currents of electricity shot over him. He threw his head back and let out a blood curdling scream as his body spasmed again and again. Nikki closed her eyes and covered her ears against his pain as tears fell down her cheeks.

Nikki. Ruins. Find ruins.

Nikki jerked her head up as she heard Xavier’s voice once more. What? Are the rebels hiding in ruins? Like a city’s ruins?


Yes. Teether. Charles. Collar.

Again the connection was broken and Nikki looked up to see that Xavier had passed out from the abuse his body had just gone through.

Valin roared. “This isn’t over! Mark my words! You will never see your King alive again!” He turned to his men. “Let’s go! Our business is finished here!”

Nikki watched as the wagon carrying Xavier and Valin began to recede into the distance until they were only a speck on the horizon. Quickly, she hurried into the castle and found Evelyn had returned to her bedroom to wait for her.

As Evelyn stopped pacing and turned to her, Nikki grabbed her arms. “Evelyn, as soon as Charles is free, get him to come here and see me. I think I know how to save Xavier!”

**********************************************************************

Nikoli watched as the wagon was steered into the middle of their encampment. As soon as the wagon came to a stand still, Valin slowly stood up with his hands folded behind his back. He looked around the camp at his followers until he heard Xavier groan.

He looked down and frowned, “So, you survived that did you?”

Xavier gave a faint laugh, “Did you think I’d die that easily?”

Valin huffed, “No, I figured you loved the pain.” He sighed for a moment before shouting, “Fine then! Have some more!”

He began to kick Xavier in his side as he continued shouting. Punctuating every word with a kick. “You. Will. Know. What. Real. Pain. Is!”

Valin stopped kicking and jumped down to the ground. Turning to Nikoli, he motioned him over.

Nikoli bowed, “Yes, my lord?”

“His Royal Majesty thinks that in his weakened state he can still survive any form of torture we give him! And those filthy Wahani refused our demands once more! Let them find out I meant what I said! Send their precious King to the Arena!”

Nikoli cringed, “The Arena? Are you…”

“Do as I say, Nikoli! Send him to the Arena at once!”

Nikoli bowed and motioned to a few of his men to retrieve Xavier from the wagon. “Of course, my lord. At once.”

Valin watched as they pulled Xavier from the wagon and grinned at him. “I bid you farewell, Your Majesty. No one survives the Arena.”

Translations
ulhi'maos - soul mate
asepros - please
arak nem - hear me
hublaz - hurts
trikos ya'lar - electric collar