Sixth Piece

    As soon as we entered the castle Christopher takes Darrin, Kie, and I to the throne room. The room is rectangular and empty. Only a few pillars, a gold and red throne and matching rug that ran down the middle of the room is there. Yamin isn't known for spending it's money on decorations when it can be used for more useful things.

     Only three other people are here except the four of us. One is a short round man in red silk robes who looks to be the merchant leader of Yamin. One is a tall, thin man sitting behind a collapsible desk with a pen in his hand and paper in front of him. He is probably the king's scribe.

     The last person is King Axle himself. He is sitting in his throne and seems to be much larger than it. My nursemaid had said he was a famous warrior before he became king and now I believe her. He looks like he could lift a large tyskin with one hand. His eyes are a lighter green than Christopher's, his face is more stern, and he is a lot more muscular. The king also has an intimidating air about him, even though he is wearing a plain white tunic and black pants. Being near him makes me uneasy, but I remember who I am and straighten my spine.

     “Brother, these are the representatives of the Katalles. Darrin Kalou, their leader, Kie Hyzer, his main adviser, and Rin Kasysin, the defensive leader,” Christopher says. When he says our names, Darrin, Kie, and I step forward. “Rin Kasysin,” the prince adds, “saved the fields to the southeast of the city from a stray fireball.”

     King Axle leans forward. “You saved our fields? Why?”

     “Why I saved your fields is not a good question,” I counter. I have a 'problem', as my father put it, with being polite. I am too direct for playing around an issue or answering questions with obvious answers. I meet the king's eyes boldly. “A good question is why would I punish the citizens who depend on those fields.”

     “Rin!” Darrin and Kie hiss at the same time. The two turn to me to probably tell me to shut my trap. Even Christopher has a shocked look on his face. The merchant looks as if he is about to faint and the scribe has dropped his pen and is staring at me.

     Everyone stops looking at me in favor of staring at the king when he laughs. The sound is like a thunder clap that echoes in the empty hall. Christopher soon joins in and my cousin and friend smile. The scribe quickly starts writing again and the merchant smiles weakly.

     “You, girl, I like!” The king roars. He gets up and grabs my hands before I can get away. He is fast despite his size. “Never has anyone but my little brother and my wife been so blunt with me! I find it refreshing!” One arm goes around my shoulders and I am now trapped beside him. “Come! Lets us go on one of the balconies. This room has never really suited me.”

     Half dragging me along and out of the room, the large man leads the other men out of the throne room. He doesn't even seem to notice my struggles to get free. I am not surprised. I am not physical strong. “You, my dear, are a fine catch, that much I know for certain!” my captor booms as he walks along.

     “I am taken, though. You should consider Chris, though. He is a fine fellow as well.” He laughs loudly. The sound hurts my keen ears. “I know these things, little lady. I have very keen sight, you see.”

     “Your Highness,” I try to say. It comes out a rasp. I find it hard to breath while being squeezed by the huge king.

     “Call me Axle, my dear. I insist!” “Axle,” I gasp, “I think your vision is failing.”

     He stops in the middle of the hall. Christopher, who is walk right behind him, bumps into his back. “Really? How so?”

     I struggle to breath. Finally I manage to say, “If your vision is so keen then you would see that you are crushing me and I can't breath!”

     Axle instantly releases me. I stumble, coughing. Christopher catches me before I fall and I quickly command air into my lungs.

     “Damn,” the king mutters. “I thought Trina had cured me of that.”

     “Apparently not, brother,” Christopher remarks. He keeps a loose grip on my waist until he is sure I am breathing right again. “If you are going to let her use your first name I suggest letting her live long enough to use it.”

     Darrin and Kie each take one of my arms and check my pulse.

     “Are you alright, Rin?” Darrin asks franticly.

     “How are your ribs? Do they feel broken or brused?” Kie adds with the same sense of panic as Darrin. When I was little I had very weak bones that were easily damaged. After thirteen years of taking special medicines, however, my bones are in perfect condition. Everyone is still jumpy and worried if I trip or bump into something. Running into a table used to be enough to get me in a cast for a few months.

      “I'm okay,” I tell them. When they open their mouths to ask more questions I say, “I am fine. I little winded, yes, but fine none-the-less. I'm not as breakable as I once was, you know.”

     The two step back. Axle takes their place.

     “I'm sorry, my dear,” he says. The sincerity in his eyes and voice make it impossible for me to think there wise. “I forget, sometimes. Too strong for my own good, my wife Trina tells me. Chris agrees, too. I can't remember all the times I've cracked his ribs or arms trying to hug him.”

     “Yes,” Christopher adds. He puts his hands on my shoulders and I look back at him. He grins. “I'm surprised I don't have scars.”

     I smile and move away from the two of them. I start down the hall. “There's a balcony just up the hall.”

     “Is there something wrong with her?” I hear Christopher say quietly to Darrin and Kie. “She can't be that modest, can she?”

     I look over my shoulder and meet Kie's gaze. I shrug, telling him that I don't care what he tells the Yamin royalty.

     “Rin isn't used to being touched,” Kie informs the other men. “Milis and I are the only people who she is comfortable with.”

     “And children,” Darrin adds. “She has always been less guarded around children.”

     I find the balcony with ease and leap onto the rail. I let the wind run through my hair and take my worries away. I wanted to leap into the sky and sail on the breeze, but Darrin and Kie need me to be with them during their talk with Axle.

     “Rin. Go flying already.” Darrin's command makes me turn and stare at him. The two Katalles make shooing gestures.

     “You should get a lay of the city for us,” Darrin says. “Some should know the way around in case one of our talles gets lost.”

     “Is it alright with you, King Axle?” Kie asks politely.

     “Oh course!” Axle booms. “You have fun, little dear. We can settle things nicely without you.”

     I smile and let myself fall backwards. The wind catches me and holds me in a tight hug. Snapping the chain in my cape, I sore over the city and palace, enjoying the freedom in the skies.

Author's Note

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Reviews

[Brie]

yay! so carefree... i wish i could fly. but thats everyones dream isnt it? oh well. keep them coming Burr!