Chapter 14

Chapter 14


    “Galedian.... Praise the gods you are safe!” came a familiar shout.
    Galedian stopped just outside the entrance of the castle keep.  Her head turned towards the sound of her uncle’s joyous shout.  He hurried down the stone steps, his mantle billowing out behind him by the cooling breeze of the up-coming storm.
    Suddenly she hesitated; her anxious gaze searched the hard-impenetrable features of the man beside her.  She felt a great sadness swoon her, squeezing her heart with a deep unending ache.  
    “Will you stay a while... or are you still in haste?” she asked Tyrell.
    She watched him for an answer, his lips curled into a smile that seemed only to make the ache in her chest worst.  He then nodded towards her uncle.  
    “Go on.” he said when she still hesitated.
    Braxton Reinhold was the youngest brother, who was still in his late thirties.  He was a small framed man.  He had black hair and well chiseled features.  A dark neatly clipped beard covered his face.  He caught Galedian by the shoulders and gave her a broad smile.  
    He held her out at arms length, his dark eyes widened as he took a good long look at her.  “By the great abyss child...What has happened to you?”  
    Leaning forward she laughed then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.  
    “You couldn’t imagine how much easier it is to travel as a man...Uncle”
    “Easier” Reinhold shook his head and his smile faded.  “I think perhaps you mean safer.’’  He gave her a hardy embrace, and then with a slight gesture of his hand, he urged her inside the keep.
    With his arm around her shoulders, he drew her up the stairs beside him.  He threw a quick nod over his shoulder to the captain of the guard, who was eying Tyrell suspiciously.  
    Braxon paused within the shadow of the doorway to the hall; he drew his brows together with worry.  
    “Now what is this about child, why have you come here?”       Galedian closed her hand around his arm.  “I must speak with you in private.”  She watched his eyes narrow with concern and something else that flickered away as quickly as it was there.      “Of course.” he said as he glanced down the far end of the stone hall.
    She followed his gaze expecting to see Jareth’s men, he had sent, lounging around the hall, but the room was empty.
    Tyrell watched as Galedian disappeared through the entrance.  He did not trust these men.  His fully alert senses sounded bells of danger.  He picked up on the captain’s silent gesture to follow them to the stables to put the horses up.
    “Don’t tell me you rode all this way to flee your marriage to Jareth De’ Aconte, Galedian.”  He said.  He took her hand in his, “Child if your marriage to Jareth has driven you here then you must know that however much I despise this arrangement your father has performed... there is nothing I can do about it.”
    “Well.... it’s not that at all.  I could never run or with-drawl from my honor.  I came here on a different matter entirely.”  She said twisting her hands in his.
    “Here.” he said, pulling up a plush seated stool beside the fireplace, “sit!”  Gently he pushed her down and propped his foot upon the hearth.  “Now tell me.”
    Galedian clenched her hands together tightly in her lap.  She told him about the messenger that arrived at the temple and his condition.  She went on all the ranting and ravings he claimed in his feverish illness and how she feared for her father’s safety, but she did not tell him about Tyrell or about the dangerous secrete found in the compartment of the messengers saddle bag.  
    “So you see Uncle.  I felt an urgency and believed this important matter should not be taken lightly and I made up my mind to come here.”  She said slowly searching his features for approval.  “I ask that you send some of your knights to warn my father and our king.”
    “Of course.  I’ll send some of my finest men this very evening, only...”  He dropped his foot and walked over to the wall.      “There’s one thing I don’t understand.” he said after a moment, his back turned to her.  “Why didn’t you take this information to the Acante’s and have them send word from the temple.  After all...Jareth and his mother were there to escort you to their keep.  He swung to face her.  “Why embark on such a treacherous mission and put yourself to the dangers of coming to me?  Do you have any idea what could have happened... all alone on that road.”
    A look of insult crossed her face.  
    “I came to you because I felt you were the only person besides my father I could trust.”  Her voice was hollow at the memory of everything that had happened the past few days, and everything that almost happened.
    As she said the word (Trust) Galedian remembered the secret messages, and guilt touched her.  She could not believe that she had allowed herself even for a moment to doubt her uncle, but for Tyrell....
    She watched as her Uncles eyes narrowed, “Are you telling me that you have reason to distrust the Acantes or believe them to be involved in this conspiracy?”  He searched her face carefully for clues.  “What have you over heard?” Braxon grilled her nicely.
    Galedian shook her head, “Nothing!” she took in a deep breath, “How could I trust anyone... there were no names mentioned, and the safety of my father- your brother is at risk.”
    Reinhold came to squat at her feet, he took her hands again.  His gaze hard and worry shadowed his fine features.  “Galedian... House Aconte is your future.”
    She searched his eyes hard.  “What are you saying...that my loyalties now belong to them and not to my own family...my blood ties?”  
    A sad smile played softly on his lips.  He reached to touch her hair with gentle fingers, “Child why must you be so fierce in your beliefs, so.....determined, steadfast and uncompromising.  There is a fine line between loyalty and betrayal; sometimes it can not be seen clearly.  There must always be a choice to be made.”
    He gave her a slight squeeze on the shoulder then stood up.  With a graceful motion he drew her to her feet beside him.      “Come... enough talk for now.  The servants will have supper prepared soon and you must present your self properly.  I’ll show you to some chambers where you can bathe and dress in more suitable attire.”
    He gave her a hearty chuckle.  “Although I don’t know where they will find any garments long enough to fit you.  I believe you are taller and thinner than any of the women here.”  
    Galedian laughed softly at the compliment. Suddenly she gasped as she realized she had forgotten entirely about Tyrell.      “Uncle…” she said with distress, “Will you also send someone to tend to the knight who escorted me.”  
    Reinhold paused, “Tell me... about this Knight... what do you know of him?”
    “I really don’t know much of him at all, uncle.… Only that he saved me from the goblins that attacked Steven and me.   After he helped get Steven to safety, he agreed to escort me the rest of my journey here.... I owe him my life.”
    “By the gods Galedian!” his mouth tightened, “What kind of risk did you place your self in by coming here; your father will not be very pleased.”
    She paused with one hand flat against her chest as she looked up at him.  “I would ask that I be allowed to ride with your men when they depart.  I would like to see him and my brother before I journey to the House Aconte.”
    Braxon pressed his back against the stone wall; one hand came up to rub the hair on his head.  “Ohh… Galedian lass, how can I… in all good conscience let you go.  If what you say is true they could be riding straight into a war.”
    
    The flickering golden flame in the red lamp on the little wooden table, gave of a soft comfortable glow.  Breathing in the sweet fragrance of oranges and honeysuckle, she poured the scented oils into the hot steamy water.  Galedian slowly lowered herself into the perfumed water.  
    Leaning back into the stone basin, she took a long deep breath and let it out slowly as the anxiety, aches and pains of the past few days melted away.  She felt relieved to wash the coal from her hair and the sweat filled grime from her flesh with the soothing scented water.  The sensation of clean skin was revitalizing.
    She paused for a moment, her head tilted back, her breath coming slow and shallow, she let the serenity seep into her.  Through the narrow window she could see the smooth summer light fading form the sky with the setting sun.
    She felt a sudden surge of emotion.  She had reached the safety of her uncle’s keep.  Galedian closed her eyes and in a silent prayer she gave thanks to Habbuku.  Thanks for her safe arrival.  Also she prayed, especially for her father and her brother.  Finally Galedian asked that the urgent message reach them soon.  Then she paused for a long second, for she could find no words for the desperate wanting that welled up within her.
    Galedian opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on the dancing flame in the lamp.  Somewhere she found it in herself to pray.  “Oh Habbuku…” she cried, in a silent anguish.  “Keep Tyrell safe....”  Deep in her heart the ache told her he would be leaving soon.
    Erreeek- The sound of the iron hinges on the door screamed as a young servant girl entered the room disturbing her thoughts.      “Me lady, I’ve brought you some fresh clothes to wear.”  A young girl said through the slightly opened door.  
    “Thank you!” Galedian called to her,” Bring them in... There...place them on the bed.”
    The door opened wide and a young girl about the age of twelve came scurrying in.  She placed the clothes on the bed then turned to bring Galedian a bath-linen.  The young girl stared at her almost in a trance-like manner.      
    “Yes... what is it?” Galedian asked the girl in a friendly tone.           “I’m sorry miss, it’s just... well... you are very beautiful.  I’ve never seen such-” The young girl cocked her head as if she was trying to look around her.
    Galedian took the towel from the gawking young girl, and then shot her a curious glance as she squinted her eyes.  
    “Now what are you doing?”  She said, thinking the girl strange.  “Have you not seen a grown woman before in the flesh?”  
    “Yes mam…” The girl said lowering her eyes.  “Sorry, I was looking to see if your ears were pointed.”
    “If my what... my ears pointed... but why would I have pointed ears?”  Galedian said half amused.
    “Well I heard stories of the elves and how mesmerizing their beauty was.  I just wanted to see if you were an elf, I would be delighted to meet one, and…”
    “Ok.”   Galedian interrupted her.  She had a feeling this could turn out to be a long conversation.  “Well, I’m not an elf, and yes... you may go now while I dress.”
    The young girl gave a curtly bow then headed for the door.      “Supper will be served soon.” she said with a slight bow of her head then swiftly exited the room.  
    Tyrell stood beneath the porch, his eyes squinted.  Dark shifting shadows rose up and crept over the beautiful garden.  She sat on top of a stone bench built against the gardens wall, an elegant, young beautiful woman in a rich emerald gown.  
    Pushing away from the stone doorway, he walked towards her.  It was strange to him as he realized he had never seen her dressed as a lady.  
    He had imagined she would look like this.  Slender, graceful and he thought; what a wonder she was.  Her fine smooth skin was delectable.  She was a delicate looking woman, but he knew, however; that she was not frail.  Her looks were deceptive.  She was strong.  She was strong and brave but also beautiful, inside and out.  
    He left the shadows of the overhanging vines, and walked up to her.  Her face was tilted to the setting sun with her eyes closed.  A shimmer of moisture glimmered on the pale flesh of her cheeks.  
    Tyrell reached out and ran just one finger gently along the ridge of her cheek, catching her tear on the back of his knuckle.      “Galedian…” he said, softly.  Her eyes flew open, her long curved lashes clumped as she tried to blink the moisture from them.  
     He saw her chest catch on a quick indrawn breath.  He saw her press her fingers in her hands in a gesture he was becoming to know well.  
    “How did you find me?”  She asked gripping her hands tighter together in her lap, trying to clear the solemness from her voice.  
    He wanted to touch her, to desperately gather her in his strong arms and hold her slim young body close to him.  Instead, he sat down on the stone bench beside her and fixed his gaze on the gathering clouds high in the vivid blue sky.  
    “I wasn’t looking for you.  I merely came out here to gather my thoughts... as you did.  I just happened to see you and…” He gave a shrug of his shoulders.  
    “I wish to thank you for my safe arrival” she said.  He turned his head to look at her.  He felt the sudden urge to lift her face to his and kiss her tears away.  He wanted- oh Habbuku, he wanted... her.  
    His nostrils filled with the scent of flowers, crushed grass, and this woman as he tightened his fist in the sod at his side.      “What of your uncle?”  He asked, though he didn’t think it was Braxon who had brought the silent tears to her eyes.
    She raised her chin in that way that she does, a faint hue of color stained her cheeks.  
    “My uncle’s reaction was as I’d hoped it would be.  It was wrong of me to suspect him, even for a moment.”  
    “I was not aware that you did.” Tyrell saw the confusion on her face so he curled his lips into a smile.
     She starred at him, her eyes blank and solemn.  “I did not tell him of the papers.”  
    “I see, so now you are feeling guilty.”  He reached out and took her hand in his, “’Please.”
     Her gaze dropped to their joined hands... his- large, strong, and dark; hers- pale and slender, yet both equally as gentle.  He felt her tremble, but she made no attempt to strip her fingers from his.  In the distance he could hear the cackling of chickens and the bellowing of cows being driven back into the safety of the castle walls for the night.  Soon it would be dark and the storm nearer.
    “Come, walk with me” he gestured.  She looked up suddenly as he stood.
    “In the garden?”  She protested.
    Her sun swept hair and her deep green eyes and gown accented the fairness of her features.  He swept her a curtly bow that brought a small hint of laughter to her lips.  He brought her hand to his lips, his gaze never leaving hers.  “My lady.” he said with humor in his eyes.
 He watched the subtle smile spill over her face bringing a twinkle to her eyes.   He thought he’d never known anyone whose emotions and thoughts showed so clearly.  She was too innocent, transparent.  It made her vulnerable.  It filled him with the unprecedented desire to protect her.  Protect the innocence from the ugliness that came with life.  
    The smile died upon her face as she stared up at him, her eyes illuminated with an emotion he could not name.  She slipped from the bench and stepped toward him.  Her hair shimmered like gold as the last rays of dusk caught the highlights in its honey toned color.  He watched her suck in a deep breath that lifted her unbound breasts.  They were small and high, but firm, just as he had imagined.  He wondered what they would feel like... beneath his hands.
    He shook his mind to clear his head, and wondered if his thoughts showed on his face, for he felt her hand clench in his, felt the very air between them heat intense with need.    If they were anywhere else, she thought, anywhere but here in the open, in the garden, he would kiss her.  This time she knew he would not stop and her heart ached with yearning.  
    He turned away breaking the spell, though she walked beside him, he was careful not to look at her again.  The castle grounds began to darken across the courtyard.  He could see a man lighting the torches.  The citrusy resinous odor floated across the road to them driven by the stiff wind.  
    “I asked my uncle that I might accompany his knights to the palace.” Galedian said, breaking the silence.  She then paused for a moment before continuing.  “But he insisted it would be too dangerous.”
    “He is right... besides now you have no reason to journey there.” Tyrell replied.
    They strolled between rows of cherry trees.  Tyrell noticed how well they were trimmed and cared for.  
    “I know; but…” her words dropped off as she plucked a leaf from one of the carefully pruned trees.  Galedian slowed, and then stood for a moment staring at the small leaf in her hand.  “I would like to see my brother and spend time with my father before I leave for... for House Aconte.”  
    “Galedian.” he said as he came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.  His voice was soft and warm, but still lingered with the essence of power.  He was so close to her that he could see his breaths lift the tiny, delicate, fine hairs on the back of her neck.  “Delay will not make what you must do any easier.”  
    Suddenly the wind gusted strong, bringing with it the scent of coming rain.   The clouds lit with a flash of light and the sound of a low rumble rolled across the air giving way to the distant thunder.  She turned to face him, her eyes wide as her face came up her lips parted in surprise.  Tyrell could feel the sadness tug at the edges of his soul.  He reached out and brushed her cheek with a finger.  
    “Did you not think I wouldn’t know what these are for?”  He said as he rubbed the moist silver droplet of sorrow between his thumb and his finger.  
    Galedian averted her eyes and bowed her head in a half turn from him.  Her shoulders held straight and rigid.  
    “I was setting here tonight... remembering when I was a little girl... my mother.”  Her voice cracked and she swallowed hard.      “My mother was a high priestess of Habbuku.  She died giving birth to me... I never knew her. I often wondered what she would do.... what advice she might give me?”  
    Tyrell placed one hand lightly comfortably on her shoulder.  He knew her mother, knew her well, but dare not say so.  He was not sure how much of her heritage she was aware of, or how to explain his own.  
    “I believe as long as one does what is in the voice of their heart, they cannot be lead astray by the misconceptions of the mind.” he said with a serious ring in his voice.  
    Galedian had her head bent, her concentration fixed on the task of folding the single green leaf between her fingers.  She seemed suddenly to become aware that she had torn the leaf to shreds.  Opening her fingers she let the pieces flutter down to the brick walkway.
    “My father was kind enough in his ways, but after all I was a girl.”  She smiled sadly at the memory.  “I must have been a trial to him... running at his heels, playing rough boy games- swinging, climbing trees and such.  I thought I made as good of a boy as any.  In my heart I wanted to be a Knight, to explore, to have adventures and to make him proud.”  
    With a subtle shift of his hand, he moved it closer so that his thumb could gently sweep over the nape of her neck.  
    “I told my father I wanted to be a Knight.”  She continued, absorbed in her thought and unaware of his presence.  
    “What did ol’ Hauken Moonspur say to that?”  Tyrell said in a tone that would not mock her.  
    “He laughed of course, but... but he obliged.   He personally taught me how to use a bow and a dagger.  Then later he sent instructors as I grew and he was no longer available.  When I became older, he explained that I could not become a Knight because I was a girl, and girls became wives of Knights.  Gentle women who would make families strong and unite lands.”  
    He felt her skin quiver beneath his touch as the goose bumps raced down over her flesh.  He let his hand slip upward and tangled his fingers in her hair at the base of her head.  He heard her loose her breath, softly in a low sweeping sigh.  She leaned against him letting her head fall back against his shoulder.  Looking up she fixed her gaze on the storm clouds gathering in a billowing mass of blackness overhead.  
    “Ever since I was little, I‘ve known that women of my station have the responsibility to uphold the privileges I was born to.  So I’ve prayed to Habbuku that the man chosen for me would at least be someone I could come to love in time.”  
    Tyrell took in a deep breath and in a low whisper he said softly, his voice as deep as the thunder, “Love is like the sails of a ship, a sea faring vessel with no known destination.  It fills with the wayward wind… it moves you where it wills, never where you would steer it.”  
    She turned slowly until she was eye to eye with him.  He saw the surprise in her face, and the wonder.  
    “I thought you said you did not believe in love.”  She jested.
    He stared down at her, his gaze rolling over the fine structure of her face.  
    “Oh... I believe in the existence of love, but only that its truth has been forgotten.  Love is a dangerous thing Galedian.  Very powerful, and very destructive.  Though love can lift you into its heights and warm you in the soothing crimson light of the sun, so can it descend you unto it depths, pruning you into everlasting winter darkness.”  
    Galedian felt an uneasiness pass over him as his muscles tensed.  
    “It doesn’t have to be that way.”  She said in a whisper.  
    His features remained unchanged, “Perhaps for the peasants working their fields and the keepers of shops and those who it finds worthy to dance on its threshing floor.   Ironic isn’t it... their lives so much harsher, filled with the struggles of being poor and of starvation, but at least they are able to love and wed where their hearts lead them.  That is where they gain the riches of life that make them smile and keep them strong.”  
    He let his fingers stroll down her throat to linger at the point where her blouse fastened hard.  She stood utterly still beneath his gentle touch.  
    “People, wealth, nobles, and families of higher stature…” he continued to say, his voice rough.  “They marry for land, power, and alliances- with arrangements comes little room for love.”  
    He brought his head down until his forehead touched hers.  Placing both hands on her face, he brushed his thumbs back and forth against her cheeks.  Their hot breaths mingled.  She leaned into him, her hands coming up to grab his belt at the waist.      Tyrell’s senses were lost; it was as if he were falling, as if they were falling into each other.  The wind gusted around them and the rain began to fall, but they were lost in the magic of this last moment.  
    He tipped her head so that he could look into her eyes.  She stared back at him searching his deep blue orbs.  Her face was pale; she slid her arms around him drawing him closer until their lips where but a whisper from touching.
    His nostrils flared with the scent of her perfume, the scent of her feminineness, her desire.  He could feel her tremble with longing beneath his touch, a trembling that matched his own.      “Galedian-” he whispered.  “No... You do not... not me.”  
    She swallowed; her voice was tight and raw.  
    “No, it can not be, not today, not tomorrow, not the day after... yet for now, for this one moment-this moment that we steal from time, it can be.”  
    He saw her need and her want.  With a groan he surrendered to his own.  He could not fight it any more.  Pulling her up to him he covered her mouth with his.  It was a gentle kiss.
    Tenderly he brushed his lips against hers, comfortably soft.  He could feel her warm sweet breath in his mouth as her lips moved beneath his.  Her breath left her lungs in a low pleading rush.  He could feel her hands roaming over his shoulders and back as she pressed herself against him even harder.
    He felt the warm flesh of the woman beneath the fine clothes.  All the desire, the hunger he had held for her for so long begged to be set free.  He sucked her bottom lip between his and gave it a little tug, then let it go.  The kiss caught fire, becoming raw- wild and consuming.  He moved the tip of his tongue caressing her bottom lip teasingly.  
    Galedian opened her mouth to him hungrily.  Tyrell felt her quiver with delight as his tongue entered her mouth.  She welcomed him.  Their tongues mated in such a way that it tempted him- tempted his need, the ache within.  His heart shuddered and he felt as if he would explode.  
    The dark stormy night moaned around them, sheltering them in secrecy.  He removed his mouth from hers and ran his soft lips and the tip of his tongue down the curve of her neck.  He clenched her shoulders tightly as he pressed a kiss at the nape of her throat.  “Galedian.” he whispered.  She could feel his breath wash out over her skin.  
    His hands moved to the small of her back, pulling her close.  Close enough she could feel the heat of his body.   Instead of pulling away she pressed herself even closer, provoking his desire.  He wanted... he wanted to touch her warm bare flesh everywhere with his hands, his lips, his tongue.  He wanted to watch her back arch, to feel her body tremble, to smell the sweat glisten from her naked body.  He wanted, oh the things he wanted....Galedian.  
    “Sweet Habbuku.”  A shudder ran through him strengthening him before he broke.  He tightened his hands around her dainty waist and set her away from him.  Lightening flashed again across the sky.  The wind grabbed her hair, whipping it across her face.  For a long moment they simply stared at one another.  Her breasts raised high upon her chest as her breaths came in hard and fast.
    Tyrell could feel his pulse beating wildly- throbbing with desire, but somehow... somehow he managed to speak.  “I’m sorry, please forgive me.”  
    Galedian could senses that something was wrong.  Something was terribly wrong.  “No…” she shook her head slowly, unaccepting his apology.  She reached out to him but Tyrell pulled away.  
    “Don’t be sorry.” she said her voice drowning in a raw ache.      They shared a long silent moment together.  She could see the turmoil in his eyes as he struggled with a battle deep inside of himself.  He stood unmoving, completely swept away by the flood of painful memories that clawed and tore at old scars, trying to bring the festering hate into his soul.  
    Her dark green eyes filled with a deep pain and Tyrell saw the quiver pass through her.  She couldn’t understand his withdraw.  She knew only that whatever it was it had nothing to do with her.   Tyrell could see her confusion.  He wanted to sweep her into his arms and tell her he would never let her go.  Wrnng!  Sounded the sharp ring of the dinner bell cutting through the night air.
    Galedian turned her head to stare off towards the dinner hall.      “Come.” he said, linking his fingers with hers.   “Let us join the others and feast.”  He watched an answering smile touch her lips.  
    “Yes,” her hand clutched at his, “Let‘s feast.”  He held her hand as they raced the storm across the garden, but at the great stone archway, they slowed and moved apart.  
    Walking separately, side by side, they turned to go up the steps.  Tyrell’s senses tugged at his attention, whispering signs of trouble.  He could feel something was wrong in the air as they entered the hall.  He looked around cautiously, pretending to appear unalarmed, in search of the unordinary.  
    The tables were positioned in the shape of a huge square.  They were draped in fresh white cloths that hung nearly to the floor.  A wondrous variety of exotic fruits and cheeses were set in fine handcrafted bowls and platters of silver and placed upon the tables.  Surrounding them were lavish floral arrangements of the rich sweet fresh cut flowers from the garden.
    The fire in the main hearth roared against the chill.  All the oil lamps were lit and their flames flickered against the night.  The wind moaned and the hollow of the huge rafters high above their heads.  Tyrell’s gaze sharpened as his eyes continued to dart in and out of the shadows.  Everything seemed to be of the ordinary.  The servants were busy setting the tables and filling empty mugs and goblets.  Conversations began to explode as the guests filled the room.
    His gaze stopped on one of the keeps men.  His senses caught something, immediately he looked at all the other guards.  There were simply too many men simply standing around.  Too many men doing nothing, and they were all armed.  He slowed his step to fall behind Galedian and watched wearily as Braxton Rhinehold stepped forward, his face hard and stern.  
 The wind bellowed its anger in the high wooden rafters with a low mournful cry of the doom to come.  The chain supporting the lamps from the ceiling swayed back and forth creaking in an eerie response.  
    “Are you Tyrell Nacar?”  He asked in a voice rough and accusing, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword.  Braxon kept his gaze fixed on Tyrell.  “Are you?” he demanded.  
    Ahead of him Galedian whirled about, her face turned white with fear.  Tyrell kept his cool, calm- composure, and rested one hand on his hip then smiled.  
    “Yes, I am he... why?”
    “Traitor!”  Rhinehold said through clenched teeth.  He turned to the men at arms, “Seize him!”
    Galedian was horrified!  She became paralyzed with fear as confusion clouded her mind, quick and strong like the storm outside.
    Tyrell side stepped as the men converged on him.  He cursed himself for leaving his weapons in his room.  A short legged man with short blond hair clutched at his throat after Tyrell kicked out his foot with a snap, smashing his Adams apple.  
    He was every bit as fierce without his sword.  Each man that stepped in, he sent sailing backwards holding their nose, a mouth that spurted blood.  One man clutched at his chest as a quick heavy blow from Tyrell’s open hand smashed just under his ribs knocking the air from his lungs.  
    Another man doubled over, his hands holding his gut from the quick kick Tyrell gave to his manhood.  Tears filled his eyes and his face turned red, then as quickly as he lurched over, he was sprawled flat on his back after Tyrell smashed his knee into the mans face crushing his teeth.  
    Then Tyrell turned in time to see Braxton walking Galedian up the stairs without a rebuttal, not a single word in his defense.  Hurt, the anger seared through him, but it was too late; the moment had caused him to delay far too long.  
    He stumbled back as a dozen men threw themselves on him, pushing him to the ground.  He realized then that they must not want him dead, for not one of them drew forth a single blade.  He struggled to see through the men, to see if Galedian would vouch for him.  He did not see the blow that knocked him senseless.  The room swayed and all went black.