There were a few in the library watching the two at the chess board. One was an older man with gold eyes and long silver hair kept back in a ribbon. His robe of a straight silver. His age clearly showing on his face and in his eyes.

The one sitting across from him was a 17 year old young man. His hair was long and black nearly touching his waist. It was kept back in by a black ribbion. His top was a sleeveless black tunic showing several markings on his arms. It was made of a fire resistant material and kept him rather cool. His pants were made of the same material though they had hidden pockets all along the legs. A black cloak was slung over the back of his chair and it too had many pockets hidden in it. Black wings laced with royal blue and gold feathers were folded very tightly at his back.

Deep gold eyes studied the board as the older man made his move. It was over quickly. Much too quick for any of the others to see. "Check Mate." The younger man said in a quite voice as he looked at the man across from him.

"Amon that's seven times in only a couple of hours." one of the spectators said to the older man.

"Meh..." Amon said shrugging. "I can't keep up with his train of thoughts some times." He chuckled.

"Prince Garion winssss again." A man about 24 chuckled. He had brown hair that covered his eyes and was more than a foot taller than the prince. His clothes were a plain brown being able to change them at will. He was not human by any means. Serpent gold eyes watched as Garion stood and grabbed his cloak.

"Good night, Grandfather." Garion said quitely as he turned and left. Kimir following right after.

"You ssseem dissstant to night, Massster." Kimir said as he caught up with the prince.

"Just worried." He replied as he entered the halls. "Just worried about Mother...." He shook his head and continued on. The last year, Atela hadn't been doing well and Garion was deathly worried about her. He had been pushing himself to master his quad-fury that was a gift from his Grandfather Jonus and his magic. He was quite still though. Never causing much trouble unless curiosity got ahold of him. He could befound with a book reading wether inside or out. He was quite fond of exploring the ruins of Kvatch and the ocean. He had finaly gotten use to the snow and now loved it like the others of his family. He caught on rather quickly to how the politics of Rome worked, showing up to the senate meetings more and more the last three years in his mother's place.

Garion entered the library but stopped at the door. He wasn't in the mood to work on his studies but was not going to not show up. "Sir Draconis are you in here?" He called out not seeing the scholar right away.

The library was a bit of a mess, since Draconis and Garion spent much time in there. There were piles of books nearly reaching the ceiling, books organized on window sills, books on the shelves, and books just about everywhere in there. Draconis's head appeared from behind a particularly large pile.
"Garion! there you are. I assume that Atela had something to say to you, i saw her heading that way. Anyway come in, come in, just trying to find some translation books" Draconis said busily.
"you look a bit bothered, has studying finally left your interest?" Draconis asked from behind the large pile.

"No. I'm still intersted in studing." Garion said shaking his head as he entered and headed for the scholar. "It's just some news that Mother gave us." he said with a sigh. He sat down near by and started to go through the books as he told Draconis all that Atela told them.

"Why would she keep that from us?" He asked as he felt some tears of frustration fall which were wiped away quickly.

"Probably because it sounds a lot like dying" Draconis said. He was not the least surprised by the news (having been told himself years ago).
"You'll just have to make the best of it. To think, youll be Emperor" he said proudly to Garion, as a father would to a son (though draconis was still quiet young himself)

Garion smiled weakly. "Yes but I never thought it would be because of this." He said sighing. "How long do you think she will hold on?" Garion asked as he realized his hair was still loose. He quickly took out a ribbion he kept in his tunic pocket and tied it back. "I guess I'm worring for nothing really....but I can't help it. Am I ready for that, Draconis?" He asked not really sure of himself.

"You were ready for it long ago Garion" Draconis said seriously.
"Now then, I have a treat for you" he said as he looked out the library doors before running to a secret panel inside a large bookcase.
"Ive never shown this to anybody, nor have i ever opened it" he said quietly, reaching now inside a rather deep hidden compartement.

Garion watched Draconis with great interst. "Really?" he asked his curiosity getting to him. "What is it? And just how many secret places are in this library?" he asked surprised once again.

"Just the one just the one" Draconis said fishing around the compartment. He pulled out a box.
"I went with your mother down to the ruins when she found them. She told me to get this. Their are three of them, but i never opened it. Thought we'd make a project out of it. Who knows, maybe the keey to your mothers salvation is inside it" Draconis said with a small smile.

Garion looked at the box. "This is like the two she has in her room." He replied. "The ones she keeps in Mimic so no one can get them." His eyes lit up with curiosity and excitement. "Why did you never open it?" He asked as he turned his eyes to Draconis. "Do you really think we can find away to save her in here?" he was full of questions now. "Oops...sorry.." he said blushing a little. "Got carried away."

"I dont know Ive never looked. In fact, I want you to do the honors" Draconis said, holding out the box. He was just as excited as Garion.

Garion blinked as the box was held out to him. He reached out and took it placing it on the table beside them. He carefuly removed the lid and looked inside. There were tiny book shelves inside. It looked like they had just shunk the entire building of the old library down the shelves were so neat. "Wow." He said looking in. "I'm almost afraid to take something out of it." He said looking at Draconis.

"Here" he said going back into the compartment. He pulled out a tweezer's like object.
"I call them...I dont know. BUt I use them to pick up very small objects" he said, handing a pair to Garion.

Garion took the object and carefuly placed it near a book and just as carefuly pulled it out. Once the book was out of the library and settled in Garion's palm, it took it's normal size. "Woah...." he said shaking his head as he looked at the cover. "It's still in good condition." He said looking at Draconis. "I want to know how they did this." he said his eyes shining more.

"Lets find out" Draconis said excitedly. He moved the miniature library to a part of THEIR library that had no book on the shelves. It was a big area.
"We can use this space" Draconis said, than with a fervor began to start puling books out with the tweezers at random.

Garion was placing the books on the shelf as fast as Draconis was taking them out. He was truly excited. Kimir had not entered for fear of getting burried under the mounds of books and now he would really be scared to come in. "So many old tomes." Garion said in awe as he put some of them up. "It's like they kept everything safe."

In no time at all the mini library was empty, and all the book placed on a shelf or on a stack.
"Well then lets get reading huh!" Draconis said practically diving at a pile.

Garion laughed as he took up the first book he had taken out and began to read through it. It was about various going ons in the city at the time the war had started. He sat on the ground cross-legged and folded his wings.

Draconis was reading a book that seemed to deal with people and cultures in old Andorra. He was rapt with attention to the book, and they both bypassed lunch without realizing it (for draconis without caring either).

Garion finished the book and took up another. He had lost track of all time for now at least. When he was in the library it seemed that time flowed diffrently though he knew better. He quickly put the book he had just picked up down. He shook his head a few times to get the images out of his mind. "Why put a book on sexual experaince in a library?" He asked embarassedly as he picked up another. This one was much better...at least to him. It was on diffrent fights that took place on the dueling grounds.

"Because those books are always good" sniggered Draconis, who was now reading a book on cooking.

Garion looked over at Draconis and laughed. "Ok so they are but they should be kept in a private room." He said agreeing as he turned his eyes back to the fights. He paled slightly as he continued to read. "Mother was....an assassin?" He asked as he read why she was in the duel. "Do you know anything about her life as Kauket?" He asked looking back at Draconis.

Draconis shook his head.
"Nothing that she hasnt told me, and ive forgotten quiet a bit of that. Remember this is ancient history here, literally" Draconis replied waving and pointing at the books.

Garion nodded. "I was just curious. She never says much about it. Almost like she has something to hide from us." He said looking back to the book. "It took me a moment to recongnize the name but so far there have been seven entries with her name mentioned." He went back to reading the fight. "And from the point of view of the one that watched them, she was a damn good one."

"Well, I suppose everyone was good at some form of fighting. There was supposed to be this BIG war back then" draconis said from his cook book.

Garion looked back to his book. "I see." He said as he went back to reading the fights. He wondered why she never fought like this now. The way the watcher depicted her was almost cold hearted and uncaring. That she had no fear of death or of any one pitted against her. He continued to read about how she was serving a prison sentence at the time for a crime she was said to have commited. But there was no solid proof that she did. As he continued reading, he found more names mentioned more than once. He was so into the fights he didn't hear Thomas enter the library to check on the pair.

Draconis was sleeping, the book over his face. This happend to him alot, he'd read but then his eyes would just close and hed be off.

Thomas chuckled at Draconis as he brought in some food for the pair. "Prince Garion." He said bowing as he sat the food on the table.

"Hello, Thomas." He said startled as he looked from his book.

"Sorry sir, YOur mother asked that I bring some food to you two. She was afraid you'd both miss dinner as well if not." Thomas chuckled before turning to leave.

Garion heard the door shut as he stood and sat in a chair. It was simple food acutaly. Sandwhiches and some fruit. Stuff that could be easily ate while reading. He took up one of the sandwhiches and went back to his book.

Garion entered the library after about an hour of sleep. He had on a loose black shirt so it did not touch his back. His wings were carefuly folded at his back as he went over to the pile of books from Kavtch. He sat down (keeping from leaning against the back of the chair) and picked up a book. Kimir and Gelo followed the prince concerned about him. He just didn't seem to be himself today.

Garion began to search for anything that had any mention of Diablo, Estrella, Nemesis or Devias. He was determined to find away to beat the four of them. ~Sabriel may want Devias but until she gets over her fear of black flames, she will never be able to fight him correctly.~ He thought as he began to read through the last book he saw Diablo's name mentioned. His eyes went blank much like Atela's did when she was reliving a memory.

A 10 year old Garion and Viento were training in one of the forest clearings. Garion was having trouble mastering a skill that Viento was teaching him.

The attack was sudden and certianly unexpected. Garion was injured by three of Estrella's arrows. One through his right wing, one through his left shoulder and one in his side. He fell to the ground instantly surrounded by Viento's barrier winds that had failed to reach him before the arrows. Garion watched through the winds as Diablo watched Deivas and Nemesis fight against Viento. The wind guardian was quick against the pair sending them to the ground with dark and light wind attacks. Switching back and forth between the two until the emotion guardians were unable to fight any longer.

Estrella fired her dark star magic at Viento keeping him off guard as Diablo sent an attack that bound Viento's arms to his side. Viento felt the arrows pierce his chest and wings. The wind guardian sent his powers through the bonds breaking them. He then sent arrows at Estrella catching her in a web of wind energy. She was so mad as she tried to break it.

Garion watched in horror as Diablo and Viento fought. Viento was loosing quickly as Diablo's sword swings were quickly cutting him down. With a sadistic laughter, Diablo ran Viento through pulling the sword up, through the wind guardian's body. The blade went right through Viento's head. Garion stared at the mutilated corpse of his guard. His mentor as Diablo's laughter echoed through the woods.

Garion was shaking and had a cold sweat on his body when he was done with the memory. Kimir and Gelo did not go near him. Garion had placed a barrier around himself somewhere in the middle of the memory to keep his powers in check. He closed the book and his eyes trying to calm down as he lowered the barrier. "Get me some water or tea please..." he said in a shaky voice to Gelo and Kimir. They both raced out to get what he asked for.

"Gods..." Garion placed his hand over his eyes as he set his elbows on the table. "I...thought by now...I'd be over that." He whispered to himself. "And when they found him....it looked like he was just killed by arrows....Diablo...he...he returned his body to a more presentable form...." Tears fell down his cheeks. "He tried to protect me.....he did protect me....yet....his life ment nothing to Diablo. To any of his minions.....Mother....she wept for days remembering her friend. And I....I never truly cried for him....."

Morning had come much too quickly for Atela and Garion. The prince was sitting on one of the window sills of Atela's private library waiting for Draconis and Cato to arrive. He wasn't in the best of moods still, though his need to see blood wasn't as bad as it was the day before.

Atela was sitting on one of the couches reading over some reports Vivi brought with him that he just recieved from Aladdin. The desert unit was still under her command and they sent monthly reports on Diablo's activities in the desert.

Cato and draconis walked in.
"you called for us, milady?" cato said timidly. Both were a bit shy in approaching the Royal Family since...well...the Sabriel Fiasco.

Garion turned his head towards them as Atela spoke. "Please sit down both of you." Atela said looking up from the papers she and Vivi were looking over. "Garion come over here as well."

Garion slipped off the window sill and took a seat in a chair on the other side of the couch Atela and Vivi were sitting on. He looked at his mother still trying to figure out what she was planning. She had only told him that she was meeting with Vivi, Draconis and Cato and he needed to be there as well.

"Cato, how has the public reacted to the rumors in the White Wolf Courier?" Atela asked as Vivi poured some wine for everyone.

Cato held up the latest edition of the newsletter. the heading read:

PRINCESS ESCAPED! GUARDS HAVE NO LEADS!

Rumors from the castle came earlier today to announce that the Princess Sabriel has left the city. There is no leads on her whereabouts, though some of the guard believes she has gone north....

The article went on and on about Sabriels disapearance, describing how the public was shocked but not altogether surprised (sabriel had made her woes known to some of the people she met in the town, and..well, word spreads), and how many speculated that she had gone to find Rayku.

Atela smiled a little as she read it. Garion shook his head before staring at his mother then Cato. "What the hell are you thinking?" He asked Atela who only chuckled.

"Garion, clam down." Atela said as she noticed the fear in her son's black eyes. "It doesn't matter if we let it get out willingly or not. Someone was going to find out she was missing. This way we are at least able to control most of the story." Garion glared a little at his mother but said nothing. "Vivi, any word from Asa about when their king is wanting to come to settle the land debate?"

"I think he's waiting for word from you, Milady." Vivi said sighing.

"Cato, Draconis, what are your oppinions on what would be a good day to set up the meeting and Garion's succession to the throne?" Atela asked looking at the Senator again.

Once more, Garion stared at his mother. He was compleatly at a loss for words now. He had to shake his head a couple of times because it started to swim with questions and doubts.

"Very very soon, Id say right after Brumadia*" cato responded with a blush. Draconis sniggered in the back but said nothing.



*Brumadia - Holiday celebrated by the Nords of Rome to commemorate the day that they believe the world was created. THe festival is 2 days long and basically involves feasting, drinking, and sex. Lots and Lots of se*cough* drinking. Sabriel has tried every year since she was 12 to join in the festivities, but every year is practically locked in her room with the toughest security to make sure she didnt get out*

Atela chuckled as Garion blushed a little as well. "And this will be the first one Garion will be able to attend." Vivi said snickering.

Atela thought a moment. "I don't see any problem in his attending." She said looking at Garion who blushed even deeper. "It's still early in the winter and mating season is still quite aways off."

"Are you trying to make him a tomatoe?" Vivi laughed as Garion covered his face with his hands.

"No." Atela said seriously. "After Brumadia then. On to other news. Vivi."

"Right." he said looking at his papers. "Aladdin reports that along with his antics here in Rome, Diablo has been able to take over quite a bit of lower Asa without King Eric's knowledge. He hasn't been able to enter Asa for almost a week now. Diablo's is sending diffrent demins and others under his command to Ren as well. Mainly to try and corner us from the other countries."

"I bet if the princess was still here she wouldnt be allowed to go still" Draconis muttered to Cato who had to bite back a laugh.
"Well Im sure King Eric and whoever runs Ren these days are doing all they can to prevent this" said cato as though no leader in their right mind would allow this travesty to happen (which was true)

Garion was thinking as he listened to the others. "What if they didn't know Diablo was doing this?" he asked not looking at anyone. "I mean Asa was under the control of Diablo and Bast without them knowing it until it was too late for who knows how long. Mother was just used as the catalyst to get everything in motion. Is it possible that it's happening once again?" He looked up and noticed his mother had stiffened greatly. ~Shit.~ he thought cringing.

"I doubt that." Vivi said taking over. "Lady Angela has no intention of allowing anyone that killed her father to enter Ren or any of his minions. She got word from one of her own spies in the desert."

Garion nodded as he continued to watch his mother. "I see." He thought again quickly. "What if they are blocking everyone from finding something? Like where they took Father or some other source of power?" He asked turning his eyes down again.

"That may be possible." Atela said trying not to choke on her words. "Escuse me for a moment." She stood and quickly went out into the hallway. Once out there, Atela leaned against the wall her hands clenched in fists as she tried to regain her composer. ~Damn...~ She thought. ~Just her name still sends me into panic attacks.~

Cato and Draconis shifted uneasily, though Draconis still had to laugh at the upcoming fesitval.
"So garion, gonna try and get your mother into the festvities?" he asked innocently, with a roguish wink, while cato had to turn around to hide the laugh he was just aching to let out.

Garion's mouth dropped open as he blushed deeper again. Vivi started to laugh his ass off. He groaned and covered his eyes. "Why me?" he muttered. He thought a moment. "I thought Mother did participate." He said looking at the three. His mother always seemed to disapper during the time the festival took place.

"I'm going to check on her..." Vivi said jumping up and letting the prince, scholar and senator alone.