A Regent's Sacrifice – Chapter 4

Aggie and Nafrè gathered up the items they would need to bathe and dress the Regent in clean clothing while Derek began the task of slowly ushering people from the room.

Sasha, who had been walking the hall like an expectant father, began to bark when Marsyas emerged from the room.  She charged him like a miniature bull, grabbing hold of his pant leg, growling and snorting.

Marsyas glared at Sasha, but before his anger was allowed to play itself out, Siathis quickly walked over and scooped up the little dog.  He could clearly see that his Lordship was in no mood to be trifled with. 

Marsyas inclined his head to Siathis and stormed off, his mind on his wife and nothing else.

Siathis held Sasha while she struggled to get down and walked over to Azzam.  "She seems to think that Marsyas is responsible for what happened."

Azzam nodded as he patted Sasha's head.  "Yes, she does, but she must be made to understand, otherwise there will be bad blood between his Lordship and the Regent's little companion."

Siathis' amber eyes met Azzam's blue ones for a moment, then Siathis nodded his approval of the suggestion Azzam had conveyed through their connection.  Sasha was suddenly accosted by two voices in her little head, each trying to explain in simple terms what had happened to her mistress. 

Rashman sent Ahmed into the room to help Asad, but during the time people were departing, Asad's strength had returned.  A person would never believe he had given twice as much blood to the Regent as Azzam had given during the Regent's transformation. 

Asad stood up and retrieved the robes he had discarded before lying down on the table to give his life-saving blood to the Regent.  When Ahmed approached him, he glared at him, almost daring him to come any closer and help him.    

Ahmed stepped back and watched his cousin don first the Guardian's robe and then the brown robe of a priest.  He is quite stubborn and arrogant.  I do not see how he will fit in here at the Manor, but he managed to save the life of the Regent.  Perhaps there is hope for him yet.

Asad walked out of the room, but he did not stop to speak to his uncle; instead he was about to descend the marble stairs and leave the Manor when he heard her voice again. 

"You will wait outside her room until she is ready to see you."

Asad's eyes widened and he silently answered.  Ready to see me?  She is in a coma.  My blood did not…

She is resting, nothing more.  You will wait as I have requested.

Asad pursed his lips, but did as he was told and went to stand at the far end of the hall, waiting to see which room the Regent would be brought into, so he could then take up his position outside the door.

Chrys pushed past Rashman, who stood staring at his nephew.  She walked over to her daughter and Aggie, and Nafrè stepped back to give Chrys some privacy.  Chrys gazed down at Arianna and tears began to flow down her cheeks as she took in her blood soaked clothing.  "Arianna, I know you are just sleeping.  You need your rest, but please do not sleep so long.  We want to know that you are all right, my darling."

Michael came in and gently took Chrys by the shoulders.  He looked at his daughter and shook his head.  I do not understand what happened, but please let her wake up soon, my Lady.  I know she is in your hands now.  "Come, sweetheart, let Aggie and Nafrè take care of her so she can be taken back to her room to rest until she awakens."

Chrys allowed her husband to guide her out of the room and Nafrè and Aggie went back to the task at hand. 

Katrina had quickly taken charge of the newborn and walked down the hall to the master bedroom cooing to the little bundle.  She placed him in his basinet that stood close to the fireplace and gazed at him lovingly.  "Your mother will be awake soon, little one and then she and your father will give you a proper name."  She leaned over and placed a feathered kiss on his brow. 

Katrina was satisfied that the babe was comfortable so she sat back in the rocking chair that Marsyas had placed near the basinet the day before.  She would watch over him until her granddaughter returned to her room.  My Lady, I have put my trust and faith in you.  For whatever reason you have decided to keep my granddaughter with you for now, please do not allow her to stay away from her son for too long.  Katrina sighed and closed her eyes as she rocked back and forth in the chair. 

About a half hour later Aggie came out of the birthing room and walked over to Marsyas.  "My Lord, the Regent is ready to go back to her bedroom now."

"Is she awake, Aggie?" Marsyas asked anxiously.

Aggie shook her head slowly, "Not yet my, Lord."

Marsyas exhaled and walked into the room.  His eyes filled with tears as he looked upon his beautiful wife.  Aggie and Nafrè had removed the bloody gown she was wearing when she had given birth, then washed her body and her hair.  A lilac satin gown had been placed on her and her hair was fanned out framing her face.  She looks as if she were merely sleeping.  I pray that is so. 

Derek had made an announcement to the family, stating that Arianna had passed out of danger and was sleeping comfortably.  "It will be several hours at least before she is awake and she might possibly sleep through the night.  I think it would be best if everyone went home and got some rest.  You are all tired and anxious, but she is doing well and I expect she will awaken as she did when she went through the transformation, after many hours."

People began to disperse and gather up their jackets.

Sandra invited several people back to her house for dinner so that they would be close enough for when Arianna awoke for she lived only down the road from the Manor.  Rachel began to pull her things together, waiting for the last minute to awaken her daughter and Casius.

Melina and Casius had been sent to take a nap, and even though Melina felt she was too old at the age of ten to be napping, she had obeyed her mother.  She woke up and not hearing anyone talking, the house was entirely too quiet, she walked out into the hall searching for her mother when she heard her Uncle Ezra talking to someone. 

"A transfusion…do you truly believe it will help?  She was so very weak.  I do not know what Marsyas will do if she dies."

Melina's mouth dropped and tears started to swim in her topaz eyes. 

While Marsyas was settling Arianna into their bed, Jamal and Nicholas entered the house.

The two men quickly looked around at the somber faces and assumed the worst. 

Nicholas quickly sought out his brothers, but before Jamal could walk over to Carey, whom he saw standing with Reid, he was accosted by a teary eyed Melina.  She grabbed his arm with a shaky hand.  "What is it, Melina?"  he asked, concerned.

"I heard Uncle Ezra say my aunt is dying.  Is it true?"  She asked through quivering lips.

The words cut through Jamal like a knife.  "Dying?  No, that cannot be right."

Rashman had descended the stairs and overhearing Jamal's words, made his way over to him and Melina.  "No, the Regent is resting after a transfusion."

"What happened?" Jamal asked nervously.

"The Regent gave birth to a healthy baby boy, but she began to hemorrhage.  She received a transfusion and is resting.  Derek has asked that everyone go home for now and allow her to sleep." Rashman felt in his heart that the Regent would be all right. 

"She will be all right, then?"  Melina asked through her tears.

Rashman patted her shoulder.  "Yes, Melina, our Regent will be all right."

Jamal was greatly relieved, but he quickly took note that not everyone shared the Advisor's opinion in the matter.  He knelt down and taking out a handkerchief, dried Melina's tears.  "There now, you must not cry any more.  As soon as Arianna is awake you will see her and the baby.  You do not want her to see you crying, do you?"

Melina sniffed, "No, I don't."

Rachel saw her daughter with Jamal and left her husband's side to go to them.  "Melina, what is wrong, sweetheart?"

Jamal stood up.  "She was upset over her aunt, but Rashman assured her that Arianna will be fine."

Rachel looked from Jamal to Rashman and the Advisor's nod and smile gave her renewed hope.  "If you say it is so, then I believe you," Rachel commented.  Even though her brother had stated that Arianna was resting, Rachel was still nervous over the entire situation.

Rachel was about to take Melina's hand when she suddenly realized something.  "Have you seen Vincent?"

Jamal was quick to reply.  "Vincent was sent out to the Twelfth Vortex when Marsyas could not get in touch with Reid, but Jorell got through to their communications center before I left and Vincent is on his way back.  He should be here tomorrow."

"Oh, thank the Goddess.  He doesn't know about what happened here," Rachel replied.

"I am sure he will be told," Rashman added.

Rachel reached out for Melina's hand, but Melina was still holding Jamal's arm an in a possessive manner.  Rachel noticed the way Melina held on to Jamal and she suddenly felt an odd sensation in the pit of her stomach, but just as quickly as the feeling had surfaced it disappeared.  How ridiculous.  I am imagining things.  "Come on, honey, Jamal needs to go to Carey."

Melina pursed her lips and without a word stormed away, leaving Jamal staring at her.  She didn't want to hear that Jamal had to go to Carey.  She didn't want to hear Carey's name mentioned in the same sentence with Jamal. 

Jamal did not understand why Melina had suddenly left without a word, the arm she had been holding was still held out slightly toward her and then slowly dropped to his side.  He could not understand what he was feeling or why he should care that Melina was so upset, but he did and it bothered him that he could not put it from his mind.

Rachel did a double take over her daughter's sudden change in temperament and excusing herself, walked off after her.

Rashman looked at the young girl for a moment, then back at Jamal who was still gazing at her, the Advisor's mind suddenly conjuring up images.  Ahh, there will be hard times ahead and a broken heart to be mended.  "Jamal, you should go to Carey.  I am sure Melina will be fine," Rashman stated.

Jamal seemed to come out of his trance-like state and nodded, but his thoughts were still on Melina.  He sensed something, but he refused to imagine what his mind was thinking.  She is a young girl, too young to be even...I will not entertain those thoughts.  He realized Rashman was still standing there and quickly replied.  "Yes, I should see Carey."  He walked across the room, but when he looked for Carey she was crossing the hall to the stairs.

Carey had been talking to Reid when she saw Siathis walking down the marble stairs and rushed over to him.  "Is she awake yet?"

"No Carey, she is sleeping," Siathis replied, his amber eyes warm and comforting.

"When is she going to wake up?  Will she be all right?"  Carey asked in a tearful voice.

Siathis put his arm around Carey's shoulder.  I feel in my heart that she will be fine.  She is in the hands of the Goddess herself, I am sure."

Carey put her hand on his chest and looked up at him.  "I believe you.  You have been right about so many things."

Jamal stared at the two of them and his temper began to rise as he watched.  He took note of the way Siathis' arm was around her shoulder and the fact that Carey had pressed her hand against his chest.  He began to scowl as he remembered the night that he and Carey had been together, the night that they had not slept together.  Is this why she would not sleep with me?  It seemed such a ludicrous thought, but there they were in plain sight and Jamal became even angrier.

Carey and Siathis were winding down their conversation and when she turned around, she saw Jamal's angry gaze on them.  He looks so angry.  I wonder what happened.  Carey told Siathis she would see him later and walked over to Jamal.  "Are you all right?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"  He said coldly.

"You look so angry," she replied in a confused tone.

"Do I?" 

Carey screwed up her face, utterly taken aback by Jamal's curt retort.  "Yes, you do," she said, her own ire rising.  What is wrong with him? 

He cleared his throat and stepped back a few paces.  "I have a lot on my mind," he replied absently.

Rachel had confronted her daughter, but Melina refused to say a word.  "All right, you do not want to talk to me now, but we will talk later, young lady.  Now we have to leave.  Please put on your jacket," Rachel said as she handed Melina the piece of clothing.

Melina took the jacket from her mother, but when she looked over and saw Jamal with Carey, she pursed her lips.  Without a word to her mother, she walked right over to him and interrupted the conversation he was having with Carey.  "Are you going to come over Aunt Sandra's house for dinner?"

Jamal turned and looked at her, his anger slowly dissipating.  "I have not been asked," he said with a smile.

"My mother said that Aunt Sandra was going to ask you before she left."

Carey was about to say something when Sandra and Rachel walked over.  "Melina, we have to leave," Rachel said firmly.

"But, I wanted to ask if Jamal was coming over for dinner."

Sandra smiled at her niece and spoke to both her brother and Carey.  "I was on my way over to ask if you wanted to join us for dinner and you are welcome also, Carey."

"Oh, I couldn't leave.  I want to be here when Ari wakes up," Carey said.

"I will join you," Jamal replied.

"Oh good, can I ride to the house with you?"  Melina asked, her topaz eyes sparkling.

"My goodness, Melina, you cannot go bothering Jamal," Rachel scolded.

Jamal looked at the young girl and smiled.  "If it is all right with your mother, you can ride with me."

Melina looked at her mother and Rachel threw her hands up in the air.  "Fine, but you have to put your jacket on, there is a chill in the air."

"Okay, mother," Melina replied as she began pulling on her jacket.

Carey looked at Jamal, clearly flustered by his inattentiveness to her.  "I guess I'll see you later?"

Jamal shook his head.  "Tomorrow, actually.  I have to put a report on Marsyas' desk and I will return tomorrow to see how Arianna is doing."

Carey went to take Jamal's hand, but Melina ran over and grabbed it before she could reach it.  "Are you ready to leave?"  she asked.

Jamal had been abrupt with Carey, but his voice softened when he spoke to Melina.  "Yes, after I put this report on your Uncle's desk."

Melina smiled at him and when Jamal turned to Carey, it was clear that Carey was slightly miffed, but he didn't seem to care.  "I will see you tomorrow."

"Okay, have a good night," Carey said as she walked off, not even waiting for him to reply to her.  I don't understand what just happened here.  He was so angry and then Melina had to come and interrupt us.  I wanted him to wait here with me.  Was that too much to ask for?  I guess I'm the one at fault for not even asking him and expecting him to just stay. 

Sandra had watched the entire scene while she waited for Rachel to get her own jacket and as they walked over to the front door, she commented, "She reminds me a lot of you."

"Me?" 

"Yes, when you were chasing after a certain young man."

"What?  Me chasing after who?"  Rachel asked incredulously.

"When you were chasing after Joseph," Sandra replied nonchalantly.

"That was different," Rachel said indignantly.

"No, it wasn't.  You chased after him all the time and hung on his arm."

"I did not."

"You did too."

Rachel huffed.  "Whatever.  Let's go.  Melina is too young to be even thinking about boys."

"Oh yeah, and you were seven when you started chasing after Joseph."

Rachel's eyes widened and she bit her bottom lip.  "Enough.  This is completely ridiculous.  Jamal is with Carey."

"I seem to remember Joseph seeing someone at the time too," Sandra replied with a huge grin on her face.

Rachel walked out the door without another word and she cringed when she heard Sandra giggling.  It is impossible, Jamal loves Carey.  Sandra is just being a smart ass.  I won't even think of the possibility.  However, later after dinner, Rachel would find herself thinking on the feeling she got when she saw how her daughter was holding Jamal's arm and how Melina seemed to hang on his every word while they ate. 

Marsyas had placed Arianna in their bed and he stood there staring at her, willing her to open her eyes, but her eyes remained closed.  He closed his eyes for a moment as he allowed his feelings to swallow him up.   

Katrina got up from the chair and walked over to him, placing her hand in his.  She could see that Arianna's condition was taking a toll on her grandson, but it was only a matter of time before Arianna awoke.  She just knew it.  "The baby is asleep, so I will leave you alone for now."

Marsyas cleared his throat so that his voice would not betray his feelings.  "Thank you, Grandmother."

Katrina patted his hand.  She knew he was suffering and sought to allay his fears.  "She will be just fine.  I know she will."

Marsyas merely nodded and when Katrina opened the door and stepped out, Sasha popped her head in.  She saw Marsyas sit down and slowly approached the bed.  She looked up at him and he seemed to sense her presence for he glanced down at her.  He sighed and gestured for her to jump up on the bed which she did in an instant. 

Sasha looked across the room at Theron, who was sleeping peacefully by the fireplace, but Sasha would not join him.  She was too worried at the moment.  She slowly walked over to her mistress and sniffed her hands, then walked over to her face and sniffed.  It was as if she were checking to make sure she was breathing. 

Sasha inclined her head when she looked at Marsyas, as if to question him.  The eyes that stared at him were the most pathetic he had ever seen.  He was about to say something to her when Azzam came in. 

Azzam bowed.  "I am sorry to interrupt, my Lord, but perhaps you would like to clean up."

Marsyas stared at Azzam for a moment.  "I can wait," he replied as he gazed at his wife.

"My Lord, I do not think it would be wise to have the Regent wake up and find you covered in her blood."

Marsyas hung his head and sighed heavily.  "No, of course not.  You are right, but I do not wish to leave her…"

"I will sit here until you come back."

"Thank you, Azzam," Marsyas replied wearily.  He was too tired to think of anything else as he walked over to the closet and picked out some clean clothes before going to bathe.

Azzam sat down in the chair Marsyas had vacated and reached out to take Arianna's hand.  "You are not alone, my Lady.  I am here by your side until Marsyas returns.  Sleep on, my Lady, and know that we patiently await your return to us."

Sasha cuddled up next to her mistress's arm and placed her head over it gazing up at Azzam as he spoke. 

Azzam placed Arianna's hand by her side and gently patted Sasha's head.  "She is merely resting, Sasha."  He sat back in the chair and began to offer up a prayer to the Lady Isis.

Marsyas stood in front of the mirror in the commode and took a long look at himself.  His tunic and pants were covered in his wife's blood as well as his arms and he fought the urge to break down into tears.  He took a deep breath and practically ripped the clothes from his body, placing them in a pile in the corner.  Later he would give them to Aggie to burn. 

Arianna lay motionless in her own bed, however deep within, her spirit was moving through a gray mist that completely hid her surroundings.  But for some inexplicable reason she could not fathom, she felt she knew this place and had been here before.  Could this be the place where I saw the Lady when I was shot?  It feels familiar somehow.  The mist appeared to be endless, until she saw a tiny white glowing light ahead of her.  She was passing over into the realm of the Lady, but she was not ready to be here.  She had a son and a husband, why should the Lady call her now.  However, the last time she had almost died she had been walking down corridors, now her feet felt as if they were not even touching the ground as she moved further along through the heavy mist.  She looked up ahead and as she got closer to the glowing light it began to spill out toward her as if welcoming her into its domain.  In what seemed to take both an eternity and only a few seconds she came before the Goddess. 

"Why did you bring me here?  I do not wish to leave my husband and son," she said through tears that had been gathering as soon as she realized where she was and what it meant. 

The Goddess stood before an altar, dressed in her deep violet robes, her head covered by a hood, her dark brown almond eyes filled with understanding.  "There will be many hard trials before you, Arianna.  I wanted to take this time to speak to you."

"Then I am not going to stay with you?"

"No, my Regent, it is not your time to come to me and remain by my side."

"Then, why am I here?"  Arianna asked.

"Arianna, people are not always what they appear to be.  You must be on your guard."

"On my guard?  Who is it that you speak of?"

The Goddess remained silent, causing Arianna to become anxious.  "My Lady, please tell me.  Is it someone close to me?"

"Strangers may come to Eschevelae, one of them with malice and anger in his cold heart."

"You said may come.  Who are these strangers and how will I know them?  I do not understand."

"I cannot tell you anything more.  I must await the actions of another before I can tell what will happen.  I wanted you to be strong for the fight ahead, if it should occur."

Arianna was more confused than ever.  "I do not understand any of this.  What actions are you waiting for?  I feel as if we have had a similar conversation at another time."

"You must go back to your husband and son now, my Regent.  I will tell you nothing more at this time."

Arianna had tears in her eyes as she felt herself floating away from the Goddess.  "My Lady, please.  I must know."

"Be aware of your surroundings at all times, Arianna.  Do not discount the observations or feelings of your little companion.  She will always seek to protect you."

Arianna wanted more than anything to ask the Lady what she meant, but she was suddenly lowered into her body, a heavy sleep claiming her even though she struggled to wake. 

Marsyas had finished dressing after washing himself clean and went back to his wife's side.  He placed his hand on Azzam's shoulder.  "Thank you for staying with her, Azzam."

Azzam inclined his head and stood up.  "I will be outside, my Lord, if you need anything."

Marsyas nodded as he sat down in the chair.  "Thank you, Azzam."

Azzam left the room with a heavy heart.  He wanted Arianna to awake, but it was not in his power to do anything for her.  He took up his position outside the room and glanced at Asad who stood only a few feet away.  He knew he would have to accept him, but he was leery and refused to address the situation.

Marsyas placed his hand atop Arianna's, his eyes misty with tears.  "Please awake, my love, I want to know that you are alright."

Sasha lifted her head from Arianna's arm and cocked her head at him, her eyes almost teary.

Marsyas reached out and caressed her head.  "You are a good friend to her, Sasha, but you have to know that I love her very much.  I would do anything to see her wake up, but she will sleep until her body feels strong enough."

Sasha placed her head down on her mistress's arm again with an audible sigh.

Marsyas sat back in the chair and kept his eyes on his wife, but after about an hour he leaned over and fell asleep, his head resting near Arianna's side.

Arianna began to toss and turn as she struggled to wake up, the heavy sleepiness finally leaving her body.  Sasha's eyes popped open and seeing her mistress moving in her sleep, she looked over at Marsyas, only to find the human also asleep. 

Sasha got up and stretched, then walked over to Marsyas and pawed at his arm, but he did not wake up.  She snorted and swatted Marsyas hard on his cheek, then began to dig with her paws in his hair. 

Marsyas came awake at once and thought he was under attack, but when he looked around all he saw was Sasha and she was wearing a satisfied smirk on her face.  His eyes narrowed, but when he felt fingers clutching at his arm he gazed at his wife and saw that her eyes were open. 

The smile he bestowed on her was the most beautiful she had ever seen and when Sasha walked over and licked her face, she giggled. 

Marsyas felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his heart.  His wife was awake and everything was going to be fine.

Nothing could have been further from the truth, for the rumblings at Rament were becoming stronger and soon the inhabitants there would be ready to make their move.

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A Regent’s Sacrifice – Chapter 5