Worlds Collide

Well, look at that. Y’all are a bunch of curious cats, aren’t you. ::grins:: You really are. But, that’s cool with me.

So, let’s see. Lucian will investigate the whisperings. And – trouble will finally strike, like I’ve been promising. Ha. (;

“No, father. I will not do it. Ask nearly anything else of me, I will see it done. I will not bring the young woman here to be used for her gift. Not even for you, my dying father.” Lucian lifts his chin as he looks down at his father, preparing for the flash of anger and betrayal.

“My son. You have no idea how pleased I am to hear you say such words to me.” The old man smiles at his son, slowly sinking back against the headboard of the bed. He closes his eyes a moment, then opens them to regard the stunned look upon his son’s face. “Surprised to hear me say something such as that?”

“You could say that, father…” Lucian looks at his father curiously, obviously uncertain what exactly was occurring.

“I have watched you running our kingdom in the past months, my son. I knew you were nearly ready to become king of this land. However, I needed to know if you would do anything to make your loved ones content – or if you would be a man of your beliefs and convictions, and therefore a man of your word.” The older man nods to Lucian. “You have shown me you can take a stand against someone you care for deeply, when the request is unreasonable, or completely against what you believe. I commend you for it, my son. And I am now prepared to pass from this world and into the next, knowing the kingdom rests safely in you hands.”

“Father, no…” Lucian gets to his feet, moving to stand near his father.

“I will see you again, my son.” The old man smiles at his son. He takes a signet ring from his right hand and gives it to Lucian. “Rule wisely, my son. Listen to your advisers. Find a woman who will love you for you and not for your throne. Have many children. Have a good life.” He closes his eyes.

“I will see you again, father.” Lucian exhales slowly, watching his father take his last breath. He moves away from the older man, sliding the signet ring onto his right hand. He looks out the window, shoving a hand through his hair. The kingdom was now truly in his hands. He needed to decide the best way to proceed. Lucian moves out of his room, calling for the nearest footman. He tells the footman of the king’s passing, telling him to fetch the castle healer. The healer would begin arrangements for the king’s funeral rites. Lucian moves away from his father’s chamber, heading back down the hall.

“Jarrod?” Lucian heads for their normal convening room, then pauses, hearing whispering voices behind one door. He pauses, tipping his head to one side.

Well! It seems that everyone wants Lucian to stand up for his own beliefs! I’m so GLAD. (; I can take the story EXACTLY where I wanted it to go.

C’mere you people. C’mere. ::smooshy hugs:: (=

Okay. So – Lucian is going to get some surprising news. (; Stay tuned for that.

Lucian slowly draws in several deep breaths. He looks away from the spot where he had been looking and toward the small group. “I just may have. Come, let us get to the castle and see what news Jarrod has found. Then, I will explain.” Lucian ushers the two women and Nicholas into the carriage. The driver nods and clucks lightly to the horses to get them moving. The trip to the castle is mercifully short. Jarrod is coming down the steps as they arrive. Lucian leaps from the carriage, moving toward Jarrod.

“Lucian! Great, you are here. Your father still lives.” Jarrod looks toward Solstice, then back to Lucian.

“He does? Thank the Goddess. How is he?” Lucian frowns.

“Not good. Seems someone poisoned him. However, the young maid, Nara, found him shortly after, and the vial which contained the poison. They were able to administer an anti-toxin, but it has only held off the inevitable. Your father was too weak to truly fight against the poison.” Jarrod rests a hand on Lucian’s shoulder. Lucian exhales slowly. “Take everyone inside. Find a room where we can convene. Take Libby back to her room. Come and find me within my father’s chamber when all is prepared.” Lucian looks to the worried faces of the group in the carriage. He offers a faint smile, then bounds up the stairs and into the castle as Jarrod moves down the stairs.

Lucian’s journey through the hallways toward his father’s chamber is punctuated only by the loud sound of his boots upon the stone floor. He throws open the door to his father’s chamber. “Father?” Lucian frowns.

“My son, you return.” The king opens his eyes, looking toward his son. He looks much worse than he had before Lucian had left. Lucian frowns, crossing to his father’s bedside.

“Aye, father. I have returned from Tyradih. How are you?” Lucian sits in the chair beside the king’s bed.

“I am not long for this world, my son.” The king shakes his head at the look on Lucian’s face. “Do not look so. I know Jarrod told you of my condition. Do not act as if you might prevent it. You know you cannot. The healers did their best, but I am too old, too weak.” He hauls himself to an upright position, a fire in his eyes. “Did you find her, Lucian? Did you find the seer?”

“Aye, father. I found her. Her name is Solstice. She is here, in our kingdom, but I – ” He is cut off by his father’s voice.

“I knew you would be triumphant over our enemy! You must bring her to see me, while there is still time! I must know the fate of our kingdom! She must tell me how to save it!” The king grasps Lucian’s hand.

“No, father. I will not take advantage of her gifts like Ryall did. He caged her, kept her as a plaything, forced her to use her visions to aid him. I will not stoop to his level. She is here only because the way to her homeland was blocked by a ship from Ryall’s lands.” Lucian looks at his father seriously, a fire in his gaze as well, a deep determination.

“You will not bring her to me? You will not fulfill a dying man’s request? Your own FATHER’S dying request?!” The king looks at Lucian, a dark intensity in his green eyes.

Good news! I am feeling better! Many thanks to Colin for jumping in, despite his severe sleep deprivation. He gets the award of the day! Yes, that’s right! Colin wins a prize! HA! (; Bet you weren’t expecting that, Colin, WERE you. ::Muah::muah::

In any event, at 1 pm, eastern, expect to see the next portion of the story posted!!

Also – many thanks to those of you in the chatroom: gledster, Arthur, momoncoffee, colin (again!), Cowboy, Acid, ImperfectMe, and Fragile Sound. You really helped me wake up. (=

::kisses::

PS – there’s something screwy about Colin’s last post. I’m trying to fix it…