Tuesday, November 15, 2005

In the Shadows IV
Ok... yeah I know the last part of my so called short story was gross and icky and all the above. I also know that it was too short, I wanted to fill it out more and stuff but it was deemed unnecissary in the long run... because it was supposed to be short and my teacher told me to shorten it when I was still in the begining of the story and had about fifty pages.... yeah.... but this is the part where you find Xalif does have a conscience about it all. Injoy!!

The night the troops set forth to Lord Yuan’s battle Xalif woke to find his armory was empty. There was a piece of parchment on his desk with a scribbled note that read:
Since your brother performs your duties we have decided to take back the armor. He has a use for such things, unlike you. I don’t know what we saw in you. As always you remain a disappointment.
Xalif sat down on his bed, his heart in pieces. The armor represented his acceptance into his family. His father presented him with it the day he was appointed General. He slowly wrapped his body as his mind relived the event. He worked so hard to make them proud of him and it was the first time his efforts paid off. Possibly the only time now that his brother was the apple of their eye once more. Kayden went off to glory, while he stayed and preformed his brother’s duties as if he was demoted back to Captain. It was incredibly embarrassing, and he didn’t know how he would ever win back his parent’s good graces.
Xalif grabbed his scarf and wrapped it around his face. On his way out he grabbed his cloak from the end of the bed. Xalif was thankful for the sweet solitude of the midnight hours where he was free from the scrutiny of people. No doubt the masses noticed he didn’t depart with the troops that morning. He wondered if they even cared. He reached the barracks were he assembled and dispatched his men to the areas the Queen specified, and took his place as a wraith among the shadows of the castle.
Upon one of his rounds he passed by the graveyard near the cathedral. The sickle moon cast eerie shadows over the grave stones and the leafless trees. An owl hooted and Xalif jumped, he realized it was an owl as it floated silently across the night sky. “Get a hold on yourself, Xalif.” He muttered to himself. He had always been skittish around the graveyard. Rumor and superstition haunted his mind as he passed by. He walked on, unaware of his quickened pace. As he approached the pathway leading into the cathedral, he paused and looked up at the stained glass window. Its pattern glittered in the dying candle light, cascading a mirror image onto the cobblestone path leading to its doors. It would soon be too late to enter the sanctuary of its halls. Xalif swallowed his fear of the cathedral’s graveyard and approached the grand oak doors. They were open slightly to admit and expel the late church goers. When he reached them an old woman leaning on a young man’s arm was going out. He opened the door wider for them and they passed by. The young man scowled at him as the older woman smiled.
“Thank you, young man.” She told him, patting his arm as she passed. Xalif nodded and watched them slowly walk off.
“You shouldn’t talk to that man,” The young man scolded. “He’s a red eyed devil!”
“Nonsense,” The old woman dismissed. “Devils don’t go to church.” Xalif stepped inside the cathedral and the acolytes greeted him. He walked down the isle to the confessional boxes. They were the only service offered so late, mainly to ease the minds of the people so their guilty consciences sleep easier. He stepped into an empty box and waited for the priest. While he was waiting he took off his hood and the scarf from around his face. There were low voices coming from one of the neighboring boxes. He tried not to overhear, but his ears picked up the familiar voice of the priest.
“It’s not a sin, my daughter.” He consoled.
“It feels like I’ve sent them to die.” Sobbed the familiar voice of a woman. Xalif couldn’t discern who it was through the sobs.
“The Lord smiles on you for your compassion to your fellow man, your highness.” The priest consoled. “So, the Queen feels guilty about sending troops to Lord Yuan.” Xalif surmised. He leaned in the direction of their box so he could hear the conversation better.
“How can he smile on me when I’ve sent them into peril?” She asked through her sobs.
“When we make decisions for the good of many, he forgives the forsaking of the few.” The priest told her. “Your compassion will lead us to a golden age... never lose faith.”
“Bless you, father.” She choked.
“May He hold you in his palm until we meet again.” He blessed. Xalif heard the door to the neighboring box open and close. He sat back up and listened to the sound of fabric dragging on the ground. It stopped near his door. Xalif watched as the knob to his box turned, the door opened. “Curucam?” the Queen called poking her head into his box. Her eyes were puffy from crying, and she held a handkerchief in her hand. “Oh...” she uttered, her face turning red. “Pardon me.” Xalif nodded, unable to speak. She was radiant up close and he was frozen in his seat. “Did you perhaps see were the man went that was in this confessional?” She asked.
“Sorry...” He croaked. He apologized and cleared his throat softly. “It was empty when I arrived.” Xalif stood, “But I would be happy to look for him.” He told her. She retreated from the door and he stepped out into the candle light. She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment, and he fidgeted under her stare.
“You seem so familiar...” she told him. “Have we met?” Xalif opened his mouth to answer but the priest interrupted.
“Xalif!” He greeted heartily. “It’s nice to see you again...” He paused and Xalif saw his gaze went toward the Queen. “Am I interrupting something?” He asked.
“Her highness was looking for her guard, father. Have you seen him?” Xalif explained.
“I saw him step out when I entered the confessional with you, your highness.” He answered.
“He wasn’t there when I came in a few moments ago.” Xalif informed the Queen. She was still staring into his face and didn’t answer. The priest touched her arm. She snapped out of her stupor and looked at the priest.
“This is General Xalif, my Queen.” He told her. The two of them watched as her eyes widened with recognition.
“Oh, General...” She breathed in surprise. “I didn’t recognize you with out your hood.” Her face turned a deep crimson.
“Do you want me to look for Curucam?” He asked again. She looked thoughtful for a moment and then slipped her arm around his. “Just take me home.” She ordered. “The guards can look after me there.” Xalif turned to the priest.
“I won’t be back, father. I don’t want to keep you up too late.” He told him.
“Then may He watch over you.” The priest returned, he then turned and walked inside another confession box.
Xalif lead the Queen outside, he couldn’t believe she was at his arm. The scent of roses lingered around her, and she walked gracefully, seeming to float at his side. He wished he wasn’t wearing his bandages so he could feel the fabric of her silk gown, but he would need them in the early morning when he assembled the day guard. It was a shame; it was likely to be the only time he would be able to find out.
Soon the silence between them became uncomfortable. He wanted to say something, but he didn’t know what to say. There was nothing they could talk about, and he couldn’t ask why she felt guilty. He didn’t want her to know he had eaves dropped on her confession. They soon reached her private apartments in the heart of the castle. He accompanied her all the way to her suite where he had warned her about the messenger.
“Thank you.” She voiced as he opened the door for her. Her hand maidens immediately rushed to her side. Xalif bowed and closed the door after she stepped inside. He waited until he heard the lock slide into place before leaving. During his duties that night he found his mind returning to her, and her sweet face would appear before his eyes. His daydreams helped the night pass by swiftly and soon the sun’s first rays turned the sky an early morning blue. He assembled the Day Guard and dismissed his own guard. When he reached his room he found breakfast laid out for him. His stomach growled and he realized he hadn’t eaten. He devoured the food in a matter of minutes and flopped down on his bed. He was soon asleep and dreaming of a time when he would be around her once again.
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