Chapter 28: Do you Love me Enough to Let Me Go? Part 1

8/8/2019 Chapter 28: Do you Love me Enough to Let Me Go? Part 1

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4 years ago.

Toren?

Toren!


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I cant stop any of it. Any of it!

Toren, try to calm down. What did you see?

Calm down! Damn it Ryker, Ive been trying to figure out how to stop the events I see in these bad dreams since Iwas six, and I havent stopped one. Not one!


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Youll figure it outbut you need to stop trying to do everything all on your own! You have family andfriends..let us help you!


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H e had been born a child of Clan Roth. But he had no gift, and though he told himself it did not matter, to them it did. They called him a freak for being born a half-breed. Theyd excluded him fromeverything they did. Eventually, they had tried to kill him. But that had not driven him to walk away.


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A fter all why should he? Obviously, not all the vampires were as Roth. The old man cared about him. H e travelled with Edward for centuries, and never thought about the fact that hed never oncemet the other clan members. A nd then they had rescued the boy Oloros. They had finally gone toClan Midlock for shelter. A nd the vampires there had whispered to one another behind his back.Others pitied him for being a half-breed. A nd it was in these whispers that he learned the truth.

They had killed his mother for loving a mortal.


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The rumor had driven him close to madness. Each time he had asked Edward if it were true theClan master had told him it was a lie. Each time, Ryker had believed him. A nd then hed received the letter shortly after Valenwoods destruction. It only contained two words, but those two wordsbroke him.

I lied.


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H e had left Clan Midlock and chose a life of exile from his people. H e took shelter in abandoned buildings or dark caves and saw only an eternity of loneliness in his future. H ed almost destroyed the last letter Edward had sent to him. H ed almost never read it. But it was the script that made himopen it. It was Loros handwriting. The Valen elfs prophecy was within and at the bottom of theletter was one simple request, H elp them please.


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A lot had changed in his life throughout the years, but some things had remained the same. Other peoples still held bitter feelings toward his people. A nd why shouldnt they hold them? What had his people done to earn respect among them? What did they really stand for? Cowardice. They hid in atime of war, and they tried and yes , they even killed their own kind simply for being born unique. It had to stop.


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H e had left the twins with Dr. Mendez and had flown away despite the mans protests that he wasstill too weak to be out of bed. But Ryker had to do this. H e had a family now Ryker was all thetwins had left and hed known since Toren had revealed his dreams what he was going to have todo. H ed put it off for too long out of cowardice. A nd look what had happened. It was time for his

people to step up and stop being concerned with only their own affairs. It was time for them tostop letting fear rule them.


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While Toren and the family left in the wee hours of the morning for WaterfallSprings, the Nectu stood upon the open fields near the southern borders of Rainbow Valley preparing for the arrival of Gals army. Toren had warned Jothat the Nectu militia needed to be standing guard lest their entire city and landfall to ruin in one fell swoop. Jo surveyed the few men and women who stoodbeside her with her brown eyes and hoped once again as the hordes of Galsforces approached over the horizon that what they had gathered would beenough.


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Gals army was not at all what Jo and the Nectu had expected. Theyappeared and were an army of the undead.


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The battle began shortly after the sun fell. Where the zombies had procured their weaponry couldonly be guessed. They were obviously of Nectu origin which was disturbing. How many of their people at the store houses had been killed by these atrocities?


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In the beginning, it became apparent rather quickly that the zombies moved slowly. That was one advantage for the Nectu and their allies. They also lacked any real coordination and often were sent to the ground by their moreagile counterparts. However, the longer they fought, the stronger the monsters seemed to become and they alsoseemed to grow in number with each passing hour.


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Jo and her people were clearly outmatched as the night wore on. Everywhere they looked azombie was in sight. There were more coming over the horizon and Iruviel watched helplessly asthey lurched past the engaged defenders and into the heart of Rainbow Valley. She let out ashout of rage and landed a kick squarely in one zombies face before turning to dash toward the

barriers.


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She leapt expertly over the wall. Her intent was not to run away, but instead to chase down the one that hadslipped past their defenses. As she landed on the other side, she panted her thoughts catching up with her bodys actions. What good would it really do? Each time she struck one down, it always got back upsheheard a growl from behind her head and turned back.


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She ran another one through with her sword that had tried to sneak up behind her as she ran, but thzombie only groaned. He slowly lurched back to his feet and Iruviel was forced to turn back andrejoin the fight. Apparently these monstrosities could not die by their weaponry.


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How are we supposed to kill these things Jo? Did that precog happen to mention that before he left?

Jo panted, Were not Thomas. We just have to hold on.

Youre kidding right?

But Jo could not answer as she blocked another incoming blow.


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Hows your face? Mae asked gently as she eyed the girl beside her.

Rhiannon shifted uncomfortably in the dirt. She didnt mind getting dirty, but she did mind thisitchy woolen dress. Even though it was cool in Waterfall Springs, Rhiannon would have beenmuch happier dressed in her usual clothes. She had decided that she despised wool and plannedto never wear it again. She shrugged her shoulders as she watched the flames dancing in front of her eyes, Its okay.


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Youre sure? Mae was not wholly convinced. Rhiannon seemed to have a hard time opening her right eye all the way since the fight and the scratches on her face had required a few stitches.

Rhiannon nodded, Yeah. Is your head okay?

Mae instinctively rubbed the back of her head. Its not too bad. Im glad you knew about thoseunderground passages from your grandfather Rhiannon, or we never would have made it.


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Gem lowered herself comfortably into the dirt. Shed just finished being patched up byJules who was now packing her supplies back into her bags nearby. Youve gotspunk kid. Must be the vampire blood.


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Rhiannon asked indignantly, What makes you so sure my blood has anything to do with it?Jules and the others laughed.

Rhiannon raised an eyebrow, Seriously? She hated it when people assumed she was special because shewas related to vampires. Was that all people really saw when they looked at her? The daughter of a half-vampirewho could talk to the dead? Could they really not see there was more to her than that? It certainly didnt seemlike it. It always seemed to her that when people met her they fawned all over her only because she was Torensdaughter or even worse because she was Torens daughter who could talk to the dead. At least once her father

named Lir heir, then most of it would likely die down. Or, so she hoped.


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Greatly wishing to change the subject Rhiannon titled her head toward the weird glowingcircle thing at the base of the mountain. What is that?

Jules shrugged, Not really sure. Its an old Valen artifact. Youd probably have more of aclue what it was used for than us. These are their ruins and honestly most of this stuff I donteven recognize.


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Well ladies, since were all patched up I think its best we get to that council chamber straight away.Gem brushed off her pants as she stood up.

Jules smiled wickedly as she too pushed herself up from the ground, And dont you just know theyll beso happy to see us.


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Jules took off at break-neck speeds that left Rhiannon blinking in surprise. She glanced over atGem and asked nervously, Uh, I dont think I can run quite that fast.

Gem smiled, Dont worry Maell hang back with you. And without another word Gem took off likea dart toward Jules.


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Mae sighed as she jogged just behind Rhiannon. Ive got to learn to start calling not itmore often.


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It is hereby the descion of this council that you and your collaborators are exiled from Valenwood for your participation in the murder of its citizens. You are to remove yourselves from any of our lands within two days uponpain of death.

Toren stood in silence beside his wife. Even though hed known this was coming, it did not lessen the blow. Thecouncil was indeed corrupt as hed feared and all the events related to it were about to transpire, but Toren hadhoped that his vision had been wrong. That in the end that dream would turn out differently. That he wouldnt haveto make that choice. He swallowed hard knowing exactly what lay ahead. Hed known this could happen, but hethought hed done enough to change it. But he hadnt.


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He closed his eyes as the door to the council chamber swung back on their hinges. He could barely hear whatthe matriarchs and council members were shouting about. His eyes were glued on one person. They wereglued on Rhiannon. He couldnt take his eyes off her. Hed wanted to protect her from all of this. All of hischildren, but especially his little Rhia. The one who was the most like him. He couldnt believe hed failed somiserably, and that he could do nothing else to stop the war that lay ahead. Was all that hed seen really goingto come true now? Surely there was something he could do. There just had to be.


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Rhiannons eyes had locked with her fathers the moment shed entered the chamber. Something was wrong. Her father had never looked so defeated. What was going on? The matriarchs were here now and they were alreadypresenting the real evidence to the court. Lady Jules suddenly announced that Lord Vyre was working incollaboration with Gal and had sent men to burn down the city of Lantern Yard. Rhiannon gasped as the noblemanquickly leapt to his feet and tried to deny the accusations.


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Lord Galen! he thundered as he marched to the center of the room. They are in league with the traitors. It isobvious they mean to bring forth false testimony to divide us in our most critical hour. The dark elf women havealways been prone to lies and as we all know are known for their questionable lifestyles.


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All three elves became quite indignant, and all three drew their weapons at such a remark. Lady Gem moved forward eyes blazing inanger. Lord Sunil quickly stood, Milady please! Galen, be they elves or no their city was burned down and that is Vyres banner thatone of them carries. And this is not the first report of suspicious behavior to this council.


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K ilian spoke quietly from the back. Lord Sunil speaks the truth. Vyre has been brought before this council threetimes before on charges of treason. Twice they were brought forth by Lady Crumplebottom herself.


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Lady Fields leapt up from her seat, You bastard! It was you. You had my husband killed. The pieces suddenly fell into place. Her husband had been nervous before he died. Hed come home and said hed blown the whistle on traitorous acts to LadyCrumplebottom. Lady Fields had spent weeks worrying that there really was a traitor living inside the citys walls. After her husbands death and the production of the evidence, shed been more than happy to believe Tristens husband was guilty. It hadbeen easier than continuing to think that someone in her own town that shed actually known really was corrupt. She felt like sucha fool. She couldnt look Tristen in the eyes.


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Galens grey eyes narrowed into slits. His cheeks began to turn red partly with rage and partially with shame. How could he have

not seen the corruption right in front of him? It was all so obvious now. Vyre, he growled out between teeth, where is LordFairchild and what else have you been up to. Speak now and maybe Ill spare your miserable hide.

Vyre involuntarily took a step back from Galens venomous tone. Everything was falling apart and he was left holding the bag. Hedidnt know where Fairchild had gotten to, and he thought bitterly that the old fellow had likely planned it this way from the start.Leave him to take all the heat.


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He knew how things worked around here. Galen would have him executed no matter what he said. Lady Fields would accept nothingless. If Fields had kept his mouth shut none of this would have happened. But he should have known the little coward wouldnt havethe stomach to see the plan through. Vyre knew he was a dead man, but he wasnt going to stand by and let his land fall to further ruin at the hands of that old woman or these brainless swine. His home deserved better. He took a few more steps back. I dontknow where Lord Fairchild is Galen and even if I did, I wouldnt tell you. Youre going to kill me no matter what, and likely even let oneof those things do it to add insult to the injury. He turned on his heel and at spat in Maes face as he said this before whirling backaround, But Ive spent my life serving the good of our people and Im not about to stop now!


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What happened next happened quicker than anyone could have guessed and all those present say that the three minutes after Vyres confession seemed to move so quickly and yet so slow at the same time. Vrye let out a cry of rage and spun on his heels oncemore. Rhiannon saw the knife first as the candlelight glinted against the hilt. She saw the way he looked menacingly at her father andsaw him lunge. She didnt think about what she was doing, she simply moved. She pushed her father aside and felt a hot searingpain tear through her entire body. Her eyes welled with tears and she could barely distinguish one voice from another as shecollapsed upon the hard stone floor with a sickening thud.


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Gem had been the one standing closest to Rhiannon and Toren. When she saw the teen fall to the ground her sword brought a quick end to Vyre. Lady Fields had fainted in the corner and Galen and Sunil had run forward totry to help. Jules had quickly dropped to the ground, but she could already tell this wound was going to be fatal.She looked sadly at Toren and shook her head not able to find words.


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Toren let out a cry that shook the echoed throughout the entire chamber. He slipped two arms gently aroundhis daughter and cradled her in his arms. He rocked her gently and their matching blue eyes met. Shecoughed as she tried to speak her whole body was shaking in his arms from the effort. Toren felt his heartbreaking as he watched his eldest child slipping away from him. Im sorry. Im sorry. Im so sorry Rhia. hechoked out through unnumbered tears. Once more he cursed having the ability to see tragedy and have nopower to stop it. He hated being a half-vampire. He hated this. All of this. Im sorry. Thats all he could say.He couldnt stop saying it. Beside him he could hear Tristen crying and he felt his stomach lurch forward as itsunk in that hed failed her too. Im so sorry.


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She lay in the pool of her own blood gasping for air. She could feel the warm blood on her hands that now laylimp at her side that only hours before had been fighting for those she loved. She blinked trying to bring theworld back into focus. Her father was kneeling beside her now and calling her name pleading for forgiveness.So hed known then. Was she angry? No, she wasnt angry. All she could think about was that he was callingher that same name she tried to tell herself she did not like, but in truth she loved it quite dearly. She loved himso much. But she could not get any words to come out of her mouth. She choked again. Was it so bad thatshe wanted to leave this way?


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At least she had died fighting for something. At least if she died here and now she...it was better this way. Her

mind was too numb at this point to even articulate the reasons why she felt like leaving the world behind.

And honestly she didn't want to tell her father she didn't want to stay. That she had always felt trapped...wellmaybe not always, but certainly most of the time and to her it seemed that it would only get worse as time woreon and if she stayed...it would break her. She knew that much. She was already cracking at the seams. Shewasn't strong enough for this. She never would be.


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But her life had not been all bad. And she did regret leaving her family behind to carry on without her, but theywould make it. The rest of her family was strong. She gasped again as she was cradled in her father's strongarms.

She couldn't leave without saying some kind of good-bye. Her head lolled to the side so that their matching eyeslocked one last time. She tried to smile, but coughed instead. She managed to choke out three simple words thatwould have to be enough, "I love you."


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He'd answered her with the same three words with her pet name tacked on the end. Seeming to realize she wasas good as gone, she closed her eyes and took a final shuddering breath and felt everything slip away...


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Back in Rainbow Valley, the Nectu continued to hold their ground. Rain now fell andlightening lit up the sky. The civilians had long ago been turned into zombies

themselves leaving five defenders.

I i l itt d h t th h l h d t i t th h d f d d ldi It did t tt h ti


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Iruviel gritted her teeth as she lashed out against the horde of undead soldiers. It didnt matter how many timesshe knocked them down or how many times she stabbed them they always got back up. But Iruviel did not stopfighting. She kept slashing and kicking. She felt a clammy arm at her throat, and she pulled away moving closer toJo. They were fighting a battle they could not win, but that did not mean they were going down without a fight.


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As the zombies surrounded him Bo raised his sword one final time. He would not go down without afight. Maybe he couldnt kill the bastards, but he could still cause them pain. He threw his bladedirectly into a zombies chest where it became lodged. The zombie roared in rage as the rest of thegroup tackled Bo to the ground.


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In the end it was a sword to the head that finally did Bo in. He slumped to the ground in a heap. The hordeof undead ignored his fallen body having no use for one who was not breathing. Those that had beenfighting him turned lazily and began to attack Arleth.


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But even with Bo gone and many of the others turned against them, still the Nectuand others fought on..


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Do you love me enough to let me go?




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Do you love me enough to let me follow through?


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To let me fall for you?To let me fall for you .


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*hides under a rock *

Thank-you to all my amazing readers and a special thanks to my brother who was kind enough to listen to merant and yell at the computer as I tried my best to shoot that final council scene. Seriously, it took me forever tofind a pose box so I could get it done. And then it took far longer than I like to get everything shot.

Thanks to my other friends at boolprop who kept nagging me to get this chapter done and for being wiling to letme use your virtual selves to tell this story. And dont worry I have no intention of leaving you all waiting on thisnote for too long.

*hands out lots of tissue * If its any consolation I cried too.

Last A/N of the chapter. The lyrics at the end are from the song Enough to Let me Go by Switchfoot.

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Chapter 28: Do you Love me Enough to Let Me Go? Part 1