As enemies prepare to descend and chaos is about to erupt, many secrets are revealed.

Transcendent — 5:
~Secrets Revealed~

The raven flew high over the city of Shiram heading straight for the palace of King Rhyum. A tall tower with wide open windows rose high above the large ornate complex. The raven swooped through an open window of the rookery and landed on a perch with a loud caw.

A young man sitting at a desk looked up at the raven in complete surprise, a look of shock clearly on his face. “Master Tarul!” he called out excitedly, “The raven we sent out East has returned!”

Master Tarul quickly rose from his seat and dashed up the stairs. He moved with a surprising quickness for someone so old. His small beady eyes light up and his mouth broke into a yellow toothed smile at the sight of the bird.

Finally one of his scouts had returned. He had been sending Ravens out for almost fifteen years now searching the surrounding area. Many of the birds never returned home. The people of the Northern Kingdom recognized that Ravens were the spies of the dark mages of Setesh and often killed them on sight. Of the few that had returned, none had ever returned from the east.

This only led Master Tarul to believe that what they sought was hiding somewhere in the east part of the kingdom. He and his apprentice Zikor had talked about it frequently and both were convinced that the east was the key. Now finally after all these years, one of his birds had made a successful trip. It was time to find out what it had learned.

There was of course a chance that he was wrong about the east, or that the bird had not found anything useful. Master Tarul rubbed his hands together in anticipation. There was only one way to find out. Talking softly and moving slowly, he reached out for the bird. The raven hopped from it's perch and landed lightly on his outstretched arm.

Master Tarul placed one hand over the birds head and sprinkled some glowing dust over the birds head. As he sprinkled the dust he began to chant in a spidery sounding tongue.

Finally after what felt like hours but was actually only ten minutes he stopped his chanting and smiled. His spell had allowed him to see everything the bird had seen on it's flight. Tarul had sped through most of the images stopping only when he found something that looked important. Watching the scenes of a small farm carefully and closely, he let out a loud cackle.

“We were right Zikor! The east was the key we thought it would be.” He was trembling with excitement.

“You mean you found him?” Zikor asked. “He's there?”

“Yes, he's there. I found him on a small farm in Davenshire.”

Zikor leapt from his chair in excitement. “This is perfect! I'll prepare your best robe immediately and have a messenger set up an audience with King Rhyum.”

“No, that won't be necessary. I won't be telling the king. I'll pass the information on to Nesath. He can tell the king.”

Zikor looked at his master with disappointment clearly written on his face. “But why? If you let Nesath tell him, he will take all the credit for your discovery. He'll gain influence, and you'll be left here in the rookery.”

“Exactly. That is precisely what I want.” Tarul smiled at the boy.

Zikor frowned. “Why master? Why wouldn't you want more power?”

“Because King Rhyum is insane. He'll kill for no reason at all. I value my life as a spymaster more than being a convenient blast target for madman.” Tarul explained patiently. “If you were wise you would take my advice. Leave court politics to the foolishly ambitious. Let Nesath keep the ear of the king. He can be the one to tell him that Tyrone has been found.”

*****

Jaiden stretched as he lay on his bed. The first day of rest was quite pleasant. He had spent most of it sleeping and the rest of it talking with Rachel. Things seemed like they were getting back to usual between the two of them. The strain and distance he had been feeling was gone and he was relieved. She hadn't even mentioned anything about her feelings to him. It looked like she was ready to be friends again. He sincerely hoped that all the talk of a future together was gone for good.

He had taken Aunt Tess' tonic twice more that day as well. It tasted even more foul as he got better. It seemed that his sickness had been affecting his sense of taste. It was almost a shame that he was getting it back so quickly. Although he had enjoyed his day of rest yesterday, he was feeling restless today. He felt as healthy as he ever had and he wondered why he was supposed to remain in bed for another day and a half. He had thought that he would enjoy the break, but in actuality, he missed his work and his training.

He thoughts were interrupted as light burst into the dark room. Rachel came in carrying a small tray covered by a cloth. “Good morning Jai. Did you sleep well?” she asked cheerily.

Jaiden stretched again. “Very well. I'm feeling really good today.”

Rachel smiled, “Great! Then you must be hungry.”

Jaiden eyed the covered tray warily. “You know Rach, I really do feel much better. I don't think I need the tonic today.”

Rachel laughed, “Well then you are in luck. Aunt Tess decided that we were going to start you on some real food. You won't need the tonic anymore.”

Jaiden sighed in relief then his face grew serious. “Um... Rach... I have to ask...”

“Don't worry Jai.” Rachel interrupted. “I didn't cook the food.”

Jaiden smiled. “Well in that case, hand it over. I'm starving!”

Rachel looked at him a hurt expression on her face. “But I've been working so hard at learning to cook! I spend every free second I have in the kitchen. Don't you want to try my cooking and see how much better I've gotten?”

Jaiden blinked, “Uh...Of course I do. I just think that I need to get better first. I still feel pretty sick, and I think I better be at my best before I eat your food. I mean... I am sure it will be great, but if I get sick again it'd be because I can't handle real food again yet. I wouldn't want you to blame your cooking.”

Rachel suddenly burst into a fit of laughter. “I'm kidding Jai! I have been trying to learn to cook, but I know I still have a long way to go to get to the point where I making something edible. Don't worry about it.”

Jaiden grinned back at her. “Don't be so hard on yourself Rach, I am sure that you've gotten a lot better already. I'm sure your food won't cause mass sickness anymore. You've always done well at anything you've tried hard to do. I am sure it's true about your cooking too.”

“You're only saying that because there's none here for you to eat right now.”

“You got that right!” laughed Jaiden. “What did you bring me anyways?”

“Nothing to special. Just some bread and a bowl of soup. Aunt Tess wants to make sure you can keep this done before giving you something more substantial to eat.” Rachel said apologetically.

Jaiden didn't care, after two days of only drinking Aunt Tess' tonic he would eat almost anything happily. He smiled at the tray Rachel placed in front of him. Finally some real food! He eagerly dug into the soup; it tasted divine. Rachel smiled as she watched him eat, occasionally a moan of pleasure would escape his throat.

“I have another surprise for you.” she told him once he had finished eating.

Jaiden was busy collecting the bread crumbs off his plate. “Oh? What is that?” he asked warily.

“Well I figured you'd be pretty tired of resting in bed by now, so I brought you a few books to read from the study.”

She took a bag off her shoulder and handed it to Jaiden. He took a look inside and scanned the titles. He smiled as he recognized the titles of some of his favorite stories about past heroes. Some of which he hadn't read since he was a young child.

“Thanks Rach, that was pretty thoughtful of you. I was feeling a bit restless this morning.”

“Of course you were. I know you better than you know yourself.” She smiled, “Anyways, I'll leave you to your reading for now. I'll come check on you again in a couple hours.”

Jaiden pulled out a book as he watched her leave. She may think that she knew him better than he knew himself, but she would be in for a big surprise on that front.

*****

Nesath grinned wickedly as he listened to Tarul's report. “You are absolutely certain that it is him?”

“Oh yes. I am very sure. He does look quite different but it is most definitely him.” Tarul assured.

“Excellent. I shall inform his majesty immediately. You are dismissed.” Nesath sneered as he spoke. His majesty indeed. Nesath was the true power in the Northern Kingdom these days. He had held the ear of the king for the last fifteen years. The king just accepted anything that he said and made it official.

Still Nesath was looking forward to bringing this news to the king. More than anything else, both of them had wanted to find Tyrone. Not that he had been found, Nesath was certain that his power in the kingdom would be absolute. Bringing Tyrone to the king was the very thing that would lift above the other advisers permanently.

After Tarul had left his room Nesath prepared to go before the king. He donned his official black robes and smoothed his long black beard. Finally he took the long black staff from the corner near the door. He left his sword on the table as no weapons were permitted in the throne room.

Nesath chuckled a bit. The King was really starting to lose his mind. He seemed to forget on occasion that he was immortal and that no weapon could really harm him. It was a pretty ridiculous rule. Instead Nesath had to make due with only carrying the staff of his office as royal adviser.

As he walked through the halls towards the throne room he took pleasure in the terrified looks of servants and the various nobles that he passed on his way. They would offer a quick bow and find some hurry along in an attempt not to attract his attention. On a normal day, he usually found some reason to send some to be tortured as he walked through the halls. Not this time however. He was in too much of a hurry to present his information to the king. He had to make certain to do it as quickly as possible before someone else beat him to it.

He trusted Tarul as much as he ever trusted anyone. He was certain the old man had only told him what he had learned, but even the best kept secrets had a way of being found out and spreading in this palace. A spying servant, a magical spell for eavesdropping... there was always something.

He reached the large gold doors of the throne room where a half a dozen guards stood watching the people that passed down the halls. The guards were heavily armed with long spears, long curved blades on each hip, and a golden shield on their back. They were incredibly large men wearing impressive black spiked armor. They looked like merciless killers.

As Nesath approached the door a look of fear flickered across the face of the men standing guard. He smiled slightly to himself pleased to be able to invoke fear even in these hard men. Without a word they pushed open the large heavy doors. It took all six of them to open the doors, three on each side.

Nesath didn't wait for them to finish pushing them open. He quickly stepped through as soon as space allowed. “Your Majesty,” He called out loudly, “Forgive my intrusion but I bear important news.”

King Rhyum glared down at him from his tall throne. He looked to be a man in the prime of his life. At most he looked only thirty years, yet he radiated an aura of respect and command. His body looked as if it had been chiseled and sculpted by an artist. He was the closest thing to a perfect specimen of the human species as anyone could be. Only his eyes gave hint to his true age, they flashed with a spark of insanity.

Nesath felt a shiver of terror as he looked upon the king, but he refused to let it show. He knew that all the feelings that were passing through him, awe, reverence, admiration and fear were from the power of the god contained by the man before him. Nesath took a moment to compose himself and keep control of his emotions before the man. Rhyum could of course control the strength of the reaction on the people around him, but he had been using the ability at full power for sometime now.

“What are you doing here Nesath? I did not summon you.” Rhyum spoke angrily.

“Yes majesty, forgive me. But I come bring important news. News I knew you would want to know immediately.” Nesath said humbly kneeling before the throne and touching his head to the floor.

“Do not presume to know what I would and would not want to know worm! I am a god made flesh! You are nothing!”

“Of course my lord,” Nesath said quickly and soothingly, “I know absolutely nothing and have no understanding of your will and your ways. Forgive my impudence.”

Rhyum glared at him a moment. “I should kill you for your insolence. Perhaps I still will. Let me hear what you have to say and I will decide afterward.”

Nesath spoke slowly. “Yes oh mighty king, as your will commands. Today I have learned the location of the fugitive Tyrone.”

Rhyum leapt from his throne. “Tyrone! Where is he? What hole has he been hiding in? He shall suffer indefinitely once I have him here!”

“Yes majesty, he shall not again escape the fate he so richly deserves. I have discovered that he is taking refuge at a small farm in Davenshire. By your leave, I can assemble some troops and collect him immediately. I will have him back here for you in two days time.”

“Prepare the troops immediately. We shall leave tonight.” Rhyum commanded.

Nesath hesitated, “We? Your majesty?”

“Yes, I shall be accompanying you. Tyrone has escaped my grasp for far too long. Now go and prepare everything as I ordered before I find someone more competent to replace you.” Roared Rhyum.

Nesath turned and ran from room. He might not fear much in the world, but incurring the wrath of an immortal madman with the power of a god was not something he wanted to do. He would see to the preparation of everything. After Tyrone was collected, he would collect his reward.

*****

Jaiden awoke bright and early as the first rays of the sun crept into the room. He smiled as the light fell across his face. Today was the day he would finally be allowed to leave his room. It was also the first day of the summer solstice feast. That meant he would have no work to do officially, but on a farm a few things always had to be done. He decided that he was going to do as much as he could today since the last few days of recovering from his illness had left him feeling restless and eager to work.

He got out of bed and pulled on a pair of linen breeches. After a quick wash at the wash basin he decided he had better shave as well. Once he was fully cleaned up and feeling a bit more human he made his way quickly down to the kitchen. He was really looking forward to a good breakfast before getting into his work. He also expected that once the few required chores for the day were done, he would be able to get some time in the practice ring in with Jedd. It looked like it was shaping up to be a very nice day.

As he was eating his breakfast, Master Valin entered the room. “Ah Jaiden, good to see you up and on your feet again. I expect that you'll be heading to the stables this morning?”

Jaiden nodded emphatically. “Yes sir, thank you sir. All that time sleeping has left me feeling more than ready to get back to work.”

“Excellent.” chuckled Master Valin. “Ah the exuberance of youth. What I wouldn't give to be 30 years younger and have your energy again.” His face took on a more serious look, “Don't push yourself too hard today. I wouldn't want you to relapse. Besides, the young ladies will be disappointed if you are too tired to dance tonight.”

Jaiden felt a bit of color rise to his cheeks. Dancing late into the night had always been a part of the summer solstice feast, and he had never been lacking in willing dance partners. Aunt Tess had insisted on teaching dance to the locals as well as their regular lessons. She felt that if they were going to celebrate the holidays with dancing then they were certainly going to be doing it properly. As it turned out, the grace and balance that he had gained from weapon training transferred over to dancing rather well. As a result most of the local women considered him the best dancer in the community.

Jaiden quickly finished his breakfast, bid Master Valin a good day and made his way out to the stables. When he arrived Lyal was already inside at work. Normally these tasks would be left only to one person, but as today was a holiday, the boys often worked together on the lighter work load hoping to finish quickly and start the festivities earlier.

“Good morning Jai, good to see you on your feet again.” Lyal greeted him smiling.

“Good morning Lyal it's good to be working again.”

“You probably enjoyed all that time off didn't you? Slacking while the rest of us worked hard to do your share of the chores. I've got half a mind to leave you here by yourself this morning.” Lyal grinned.

“Well if you really feel that way, I am sure I can get Rachel to cook you some breakfast tomorrow. Or even lunch today if tomorrow is too long to wait.” Jaiden offered.

Lyal's face paled, “You know... on second thought I don't think I need a rest that much after all.”

Jaiden laughed, “Are you sure now? It'd be pretty easy to arrange.”

Jaiden ducked still laughing as Lyal flung everything on his heavy shovel at him. Jaiden retaliated with a shovel load of his own, and before long horse dung was flying everywhere.

When things had settled down again Jaiden looked around as he caught his breath from the exertion and the laughing. This was probably the very reason that Master Valin insisted on keeping the boys from working at the same task. The stable was messier now then when they first came in. He glanced back over at Lyal whose face was still flushed with excitement.

“I guess we better get started at actually getting something done.”

“Right.” Lyal answered picking some straw from his hair. “Hey Jai, what are you going to do about tonight?”

Jaiden sighed, “I don't know, I really haven't thought about it yet.”

“You know that once it gets around that you rejected Rach's claim on you girls from all the farms in the area are going to be lining up for a turn with you.”

Jaiden nodded. It was true, on past holidays he had danced with many of the local girls, but for the most part he spent his time with Rachel. It had been generally recognized that he was hers and it wasn't long before he noticed that it was only her friends that ever asked to dance with him. He would occasionally notice others watching but they kept their distance. Without Rachel and her friends keeping them away, he knew that tonight was going to be a bit more crazy. He really was not looking forward to that.

“Maybe things aren't going to change. Rach and I seemed to have patched things up over the last couple of days.” Jaiden said hopefully.

Lyal chuckled, “Good, I'm glad to hear it and I am sure the other guys will be too. It'll give the rest of a chance.”

As they continued with his work Jaiden began to feel an increasing amount of nervousness. He couldn't stop thinking about the dance that night and the ways that it could possibly go. He started to wonder if he could find a way to skip it. Aunt Tess wouldn't be pleased if anyone was missing for it, but perhaps he could claim he was still recovering from being sick. It was something that he was sure he was going to be giving a lot more thought as he continued about his day.

*****

Rachel sat at the small table in her room looking into the mirror. A number of girls from the outlying farms were busy around her helping her to prepare before the dance that night. She was glad that she had so many willing friends to help her prepare for this special night. The ornate chest in the corner of her room was open, and the girls were digging through it taking out their choices of some of the best jewelry and clothes inside.

“Wow Rach, where did you get all this stuff?” asked Lecillia one of the girls from a neighboring farm.

Rachel smiled sadly, “They were my mother's things. I don't really know much about her or where she got them from. I've been told my parents were successful merchants before they died.”
“Oh I am sorry.” Lecillia apologized, “They really are quite beautiful though. Jaiden won't be able to resist you tonight.”

Rachel smiled again, this time a genuine smile. She certainly hoped that Lecillia was right. She had never worn any of her mother's silk dresses or expensive jewels before. Well she had tried them on so that she knew they would fit, but that was only briefly. She knew her parents must have been very successful to afford the few things the chest contained. She imagined that her father had worked hard so that he could surprise her with some expensive gift and that her mother had valued these few small treasures greatly. They were likely some of her most prized possessions. She could picture them as a very happy couple and thought she would have grown up in a very happy family.

“So Rach... if things don't go as you've planned does that mean Jaiden is up for grabs?” her friend Anna asked.

“Oh I hope so!” chimed in Trina. “He really would be a good catch.”

A murmur of agreement filled the room as a few others also voiced their opinions on the topic of Jaiden's availability. Rachel's face turned crimson as she listened.

“Girls!” Alyssa yelled out. “Rachel still has first claim on Jaiden and things are going to work out no matter how tonight goes. He's not available until Rachel tells us otherwise. Is that clear?”

“Oh alright.” pouted Trina. The others also nodded their understanding if a bit grudgingly.

Rachel looked up at her friend, “Thanks Alyssa. I needed to hear that.”

Alyssa smiled back at her, “Anytime Rach. Besides, we all know I get the first turn if things don't work out!” she teased.

Rachel laughed, Alyssa always did have a way of making her feel better about everything. She was lucky that she had such a good close friend. Everything was going to work out well tonight. She was certain that things were about to change around here.

*****

Nesath sat on top of his horse watching the approaching rider. King Rhyum rode with the rest of the party behind him, mounted on a stunning black stallion and looking fearsome in his black and gold armor. As the scout approached Nesath felt a eave of impatience pass through him. He wanted nothing more to reach this small community and find Tyrone. Riding with the king was aggrevating and a royal pain. Once Tyrone was apprehended Rhyum would return to Shiram leaving Nesath to do what he did best. Punishing the community for harboring a wanted criminal. Nesath could almost smell the blood and hear the cries of terror as he imagined it.

He was broken out of his fantasy as the rider came to a stop and saluted in front of him. “My lord! I have located the enemy.”

Nesath grinned, “Excellent news. How far away are they?”

“A half a days ride my lord. We can reach them tonight.”
Nesath grinned in pleasure. This was working out even better than he could have planned. A slaughter in the confusion of the night was always more fun than one in daylight. The confusion of the darkness and the bright light of burning homes always brought out even more terror from his victims. It was going to be a glorious massacre.

“Return to your post immediately. I'll inform the king.” He commanded.

“Yes my lord.” The rider saluted, turned his horse and rode out to scout ahead once more.

Nesath turned his own mount back towards the main force. Things were really starting to look up. Half a day until he was rid of the king and engaging in his favorite pastime. Yes things were looking up indeed.

*****

Jaiden looked around the assembled people nervously. The music had just started and there was no sign of Rachel anywhere. Already he could see a few girls eying him. He felt like nothing more than a piece of meat. He had been searching for Rachel ever since the feast had started, but almost the entire community had come out to Master Valin's farm for the feast. There were about two hundred people wandering around and finding her had proven to be all but impossible. He was beginning to wonder if she had decided to skip the festivities altogether.

Now darkness was falling and it was hard to see the people around him by the light of the bonfires and the full moon overhead. A few of the girls started moving towards him and Jaiden, pretending not to have seen them, stepped back into the crowd hoping to blend in and lose them. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Turning around he found Alyssa looking up at him a big smile on her face. “There you are. I've been looking for you.” she purred.

“Hi Alyssa, have you seen Rachel?” he stammered.

Alyssa kept a steady gaze looked on his eyes, he found that he couldn't look away. Deftly she reached up and stroked a finger along his jaw. Jaiden felt more and more uncomfortable as she continued watching him like a cat eying a mouse.

“There will be time for Rachel later Jai, right now this is about you and me.” she took his hand and began pulling him through the crowd.

Jaiden couldn't believe what was happening. Had things between him and Rachel really come to an end then? Alyssa would never do something like this if she thought her friend still claimed him. Would she? He actually didn't know Alyssa all that well himself. He started to try and pull away from her but suddenly she released him and stopped walking.

“Here he is Rach, I am not sure he is worth all the effort. He hardly resisted at all when I pulled him over here.”

Jaiden stared ahead in shock. “Rachel?!? Is that really you?”

“Of course it is Jai. Who else would it be?” Rachel asked coyly.

Jaiden just stared at her. Rachel was stunning. She stood in front of him dressed in a long silk green gown that matched her eyes. Her red hair was adorned with dark green emeralds and she wore a gold chain around her neck, with a small heart shaped pendant hanging just above her breasts. The gown had a low deep cut and displayed an ample portion of Rachel's chest. Jaiden felt weak in the knees.

“So what do you think?” Rachel asked nervously.

Jaiden continued staring at her in stunned silence.

“I think he likes it.” Alyssa said with a grin.

Jaiden finally pulled himself out of his stupor. “Rachel you look gorgeous!”

Rachel smiled brightly and came up close to him. She smelt so good. She looked absolutely amazing. Jaiden couldn't believe that this was the same girl that fought in the combat ring and broke a stableman's arm. He couldn't believe it was the same girl he had grown up with all these years. He was absolutely amazed.

“Well aren't you going to ask me to dance?” She whispered into his ear.

Jaiden's mind began to whirl. Was it a good idea? He was trying to pull away from her. This was going to make things worse. Maybe just one, one dance wouldn't hurt.

“Rach, would you like to dance?”

“I thought you would never ask.” She took his hand and pulled him out towards the other dancing couples. Jaiden caught a glimpse of Matt and Glenn staring at him in envy as they danced with their own partners. They weren't the only ones, it seemed that everyone was watching the two of them as they danced.

*****

Rachel smiled as she danced with Jaiden. He was finally holding her the way that she always wanted him to, and the look in his eyes told her she had won. Dance after dance they went on without stopping. Rachel was feeling like she was in heaven. Everything was going according to her plan. She had him right where she wanted him.

Looking up deep into his eyes she whispered, “I love you.” Standing up on her toes she kissed him full on the lips. She could feel Jaiden start to respond to kiss her back. He was really hers, he was really finally hers. Her heart was racing and she felt so completely happy.

Suddenly Jaiden froze and pulled back, “Rachel... I'm sorry I can't do this.”

He turned and ran off into the crowd of people. Rachel called to him to wait and come back, but it was too late. He was gone. Rachel pushed through the crowd tears streaming down her face and ran towards her room. All around people were staring at her bewildered looks on their faces, clearly wondering what happened. She spotted Alyssa whose face was filled with sympathy. Rachel couldn't face her. She kept pushing through the crowd and ran towards the farmhouse. What happened? How had everything suddenly fallen apart?

*****

Nesath looked down the dark road, in the distance he could make out the large bonfires of a summer solstice celebration. This really couldn't be any more perfect. All of the people gathered in one place. Killing them all was going to be the easiest thing he had ever done.

He turned back to look at his assembled captains. “Our target is in sight. Here is the plan. We are going to surround them completely and take them by surprise. Torris, you take two squads around to the north. Darren, you have the east. Take three squads with you. Mikkel, your two squads will come in from the west. Risaro you have the south. I will go in with King Rhyum and collect the prisoner. Attack as one on my signal and let none survive. You have your orders. Dismissed.”

The men saluted as one and turned to ready their troops. Nesath went to join King Rhyum. He had a dozen of elite bodyguards to join them in finding Tyrone. It would not be much longer now.

*****

Tess stood in the full moonlight in the middle of a small clearing a short distance from the farm. In the middle of the clearing was a small dark pool of water. Tess began to remove her clothes to start the rituals when suddenly the pool began to glow.

The water stilled and an image appeared and a deep powerful voice called out, “Daughter, there is no time for that now.”

Tess looked at the image in the pool. “Father, what is happening? What is wrong?”

“Enemies have come. They are going to kill everyone.”

Tess breathed in a sharp breath. “Then I must go, I have to help them. I have to save them.”

“It is impossible, the power of the Yuh-Yi-Joo tells me that you will fail.”

“Then help me father, you could stop them.” pleaded Tess.

“I can not. It would be a violation of my oath.”

“Fine then I will go myself. I will save them or die trying.” Tess said with determination.

“You will fail. It can not be done.”

“I have to try. I can't abandon them to death. They are my friends, they are my family.” Tess turned and ran through the woods back towards the farm. The image vanished from the pool and it ceased glowing. Tess could see the light of the bonfires at the farm. She ran even faster. She needed to make it on time, she needed to try and save them.

*****

Jaiden dug through the chest in his room, he began to make a pile of necessities on his bed. He was leaving tonight, and he was taking only what he could carry with him. After tonight, he knew he couldn't stay here any longer. He felt foolish for waiting as long as he had already. He knew that if he stayed much longer he would never be able to leave.

He had been lying to everyone his whole life, he had been living a lie for so long. Yet tonight he finally had to admit that he had been lying to himself as well. He had always told himself that he was not in love with Rachel because he couldn't be, he had told himself that he could only be a brother to her. He had even started to believe it. But tonight had revealed the truth to him, he really loved her and he always had. She had been right all along, and it was him who had been wrong.

That is why he had to leave and he had to leave tonight. He could not stay here because he knew that if he stayed much longer he would never be able to leave her. Yet he also knew that he had to, he had to do what he needed to do.

Life was so unfair. He really hated what fate had done to him. He wanted to scream out to the gods, he wanted to ask them, “WHY ME??” He felt so torn and so much anguish. It seemed that the gods or fate, or whatever was responsible for this situation he found himself in got delight in tormenting humans. They would give them hopes and dreams that could never be, and watch and laugh as they were squashed.

Jaiden took a deep breath and focused on what he needed to do. He took the large pack he used when he traveled with Jedd and began to fill it with clothes and his sleeping supplies. He laid a couple water skins on the bed intending to make a quick stop at the kitchen before he left. He would need to get some food as well as enough water for a few days supplies. After that, he was going to have to hope that he would be able to catch something with snares, or use his bow to get food. It was going to be hard out there alone, but he knew he would do what he had to do.

Suddenly the door to his room flew open and Jedd walked in. “So you're just going to run away are you boy?” he scowled.

“Jedd... what are you doing here?”

“I saw what happened tonight, everyone did. I knew I would find you up here. I didn't expect you to be such a coward as to run away though.”

Jedd crossed his arms and stood between him and the door. The look that he gave Jaiden was filled with contempt. Jaiden felt ashamed and guilty for disappointing the one man he respected more than anything. Suddenly he felt anger building up inside him, it burried the feelings of shame and guilt.

“You have no idea what this is about. I am not running away, I am doing what I have to do. This is not just for me, this is for Rachel too. My leaving is better for everyone.”

“Bullshit! You are doing the selfish thing, you are acting like a child rather than a man. I am not going to let you leave.” Jedd spat back.

Jaiden looked at his mentor and friend with pure rage burning in his eyes. How could Jedd judge him? Jedd has no idea what he is going through, what he has been dealing with all these years. Jedd didn't understand what was going on, and now he was going to have to fight him before he could leave.

Suddenly the door flew open again as Rachel burst into the room. “Jaiden! How could you do this to me? You love me, I know you do! I felt it! I saw it! I...”

She trailed off as she saw the pack in Jaiden's hands and Jedd standing in the room. “You're leaving? How could you possibly even think of leaving? Jaiden what is going on? Jedd, do you know what this is all about? You both need to tell me right now what is happening. Jaiden, there has to be something that you aren't telling me. There has to be something that you are keeping to yourself. I know you, I know you are not a coward that runs away from his problems. Jaiden tell me the truth. Why are you doing this?”

Rachel looked at him expectantly waiting for him to say something, anything. Jaiden could see that she was hurting still from what he had done to her earlier. Her eyes were red and bloodshot so he knew that she had been crying. Yet she had changed since she entered the room. When she came in she was filled with anger, it had driven every word. Now she was looking at him with frustration and concern clear on her face. He knew that she was certain he was hiding something from her, and he knew that she would follow him until she found out.

Jaiden took a deep breath, it was time to tell them the truth, to tell him everything. It was the only answer that he could see. He was leaving anyways, what difference would it make if they knew now. He was going to disappear so that no one would be able to find him. Would it really matter if they knew his secret?

Just then a loud voice roared out. “Tyrone! Come and face me!”

Jedd's face paled and for the first time in his life Jaiden saw fear in his eyes. “I was wrong boy.” He said panick sounding clearly in his voice, “It's time for you to leave. Time for both of you to leave. You need to go right now.”

*****

Jedd felt his heart fill with dread. He knew that voice, he would recognize it anywhere. Rhyum had found him, and now he was here to make him pay. For fifteen years he had managed to evade detection, for fifteen years he had been hiding. He had never once let down his guard, he had never once let himself be distracted from his charge. Yet the last few days he had let his attention wander, he had not focused all his attention on his duty, and it seemed that he failed. His distraction had cost them everything. Someone, or something had seen him, and he had not stopped the report from getting back. Rhyum had been lead right to the farm, and it was all his fault.

“Tyrone! Come out from your hiding place this instant, or I will kill all these people!” He heard Rhyum bellow again.

Jedd knew that it didn't make a difference one way or another if he obeyed Rhyum's command or not. All the people here were going to die. Rhyum was not going to let them live. Still... perhaps he could buy some time. Perhaps it was not too late.

“Rachel, Jaiden, you both need to go now. I will buy what time I can, but you need to run now. Don't look back. You have time, they are not watching the house. There will be soldiers in the woods be careful.” He grabbed Jaiden's sword and bow that were hanging on the wall. He handed them to Jaiden. “Rachel, grab your sword then go. There is no time to take anything else. Trust me, you need to leave now.”

Jedd turned and left the room. It was time to face Rhyum again. He had hoped that this day would never come, he had prayed but it seemed his prayers had gone unanswered. It looked like it was time for him to perform his last duty, it was time for him to die. He just hoped it would buy Rachel and Jaiden the time they needed to escape.

Boldly he walked out the front door of the farmhouse and towards the bonfires. He could see Rhyum sitting on a tall stallion staring at him. Thirteen heavily armed soldiers surrounded Rhyum on their mounts.
“Alright.” Jedd called out, his voice calm and stronger than he felt. “I'm here. Take me and let these people go.”

A mummer of surprise went through the gathered farmers at his words. Well it was time they found out who he really was. After all these years, Jedd's biggest secret was about to be revealed. Unfortunately it was a secret that was going to cost all these people their lives, and there was nothing that he could do about it.

Rhyum laughed, “Tyrone, how good it is to see you again. It has been a long time. I was beginning to think that you didn't want to be found.”

“Rhyum you are a mad fool. How could I ever continue to serve under someone such as you. Look what you have done to your kingdom, to your people. You've all but given us to Setesh. You are no king. You are a nothing but a pawn.”

“Insolent whelp! I am more than a king, I am a god!” shrieked Rhyum, “I control everything in this kingdom, and soon I shall rule the entire world! These minions of Setesh are my slaves, my tools that serve my will! Nothing can stand against my power!”

“Your power?” scoffed Jedd. “You have no power outside your palace. Here you are nothing. You couldn't find me on your own.”

“I have more power then you ever dreamed of!” Rhyum yelled as he raised his hand and pointed it at Jedd.

A dark beam of energy shot out from his fist and struck Jedd to the ground. Desperately Jedd struggled against the force that held him to the ground. He tried to raise to his feet, but could not move. How had Rhyum done that? He should have no power so far from his palace. It did not make any sense!

“You see Tyrone,” Rhyum grinned wickedly. “I have more power than anyone dreamed possible. I truly am a god!”

Just then lightning flashed from the sky striking three of the riders. They and their horse collapsed to the ground in a charred heap of burned flesh and smoldering metal. Jedd watched in shock as a figure approached. Tess has magic?!?

“Rhyum. Leave this place and I shall spare your men a painful death.” she said dismissively.

Rhyum let out a loud laugh, “Is that supposed to scare me? So Tyrone, you kept a mage with you to protect you. Even she will not help you. Don't you know that I care nothing for these men?” Rhyum dropped down from his horse and drew his sword as he approached Tess.

A bolt of lightning streaked from the sky striking Rhyum. He didn't even slow as he approached her, his armor smoking slightly. Another bolt struck, and another, and another. They rained down on him but nothing slowed him. He kept slowly approaching Tess laughing as he came.

“Fool, you can't hurt a god.” He said plunging his sword into her heart.

Tess looked down at her chest and the blade that ran through her, surprise clear on her face. Rhyum removed the sword and wiped it clean on her skirt before sheathing it again.

“Monster! Die!” Jedd heard a voice call out.

Jaiden charged in swinging his sword up towards Rhyum's face. Rhyum swung his arm intercepting the sword and striking Jaiden in the chest. Jaiden flew through the air and landed on the ground.

“Amusing. Sending children now to try and kill an immortal god.” He looked back at one of his soldiers. “Kill him.”

The soldier pulled a crossbow from his hip and fired at Jaiden. The arrow struck him straight through the chest.

“Such a waste. That child had courage, he might have made a good soldier someday. Of course I wouldn't expect anything less from someone trained by High General Tyrone himself. Tell me Tyrone, were you really trying to build your own army to overthrow me?”

The soldier that shot Jaiden suddenly fell from his mount as Rachel flew into him knocking him to the ground. Another soldier leapt down and grabbed her up off of him too late as her sword was pierced through the fallen man's neck. She struck her fist at the man holding her, and he laughed as he threw her to the ground.

“My this one is feisty.” he laughed.

Two of the other soldiers grabbed her off the ground as she struggled in their arms trying to break free. She growled curses at them yelling for them to release her. When suddenly she stopped struggling with a gasp.

Jedd watched as Jaiden rose from the ground pulling the arrow from his chest. “Tell me father,” He said as he tossed it on the ground, “did you really think that would kill me?”

Rhyum spun looking at Jaiden. “What is this? One of my sons? Here? How can this be?”

Jedd felt a tear roll down his check. He had failed. He had really and truly failed. All this time he had been protecting Jaiden, and in the end he was the one that had led Rhyum right to him. All of their hopes and dreams for the future were gone once and for all.

Rhyum approached Jaiden and place a hand on his head. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and opened them again. “He speaks truly.... he really is my son. But how is this possible?”

He turned back to Jedd. “I can see now your plot was more complicated than I ever thought. I don't know how you got him, or where he came from but you almost succeeded. Unfortunately for you, you gave him away yourself.”

Rhyum turned towards his men. “This changes everything. I need to invoke the rituals at once. I will return to the palace now with the boy. Bring Tyrone there to me. Kill the rest.”

One of the soldiers removed his helm and Jedd instantly recognized his former second in command, Nesath. “My king. It will be done as you command. But... my usual reward?”

Rhyum glared at him, “Yes, yes, of course. Take whichever one you want.” He grabbed Jaiden's arm and in a flash of light he was gone.

*****

Nesath smiled as the king and the boy vanished. So one of his whelps had escaped and nearly made it long enough to drain him of his power. It appeared his old commander Tyrone had more to answer for than everyone thought.

“Tie him up and throw him on the back of your horse.” He pointed over at Jedd. The man saluted and hauled Jedd roughly to his feet.

Nesath walked over to where two of his men held Rachel. Rhyum had told him to choose whichever one he wanted and he had made his choice. He liked her fighting spirit. She was going to make taming her a challenge.

“This one is mine. Tie her onto my horse.”

The men saluted and pulled her away. Nesath looked at the people gathered around who still sat watching him fearfully.

“Run.” He commanded them.

They stared at him a few seconds before rising to their feet and bolting in all directions. Nesath smiled. This was going to be fun. He pulled a horn from his hip and blew one long sharp note into the night air. Another note sounded from the north, then another from the south, another from the west and one from the east. The hunt was about to begin. Nesath waited a few more seconds before drawing his sword and running after the fleeing peasants.

*****

Jaiden blinked as he looked around the large room that suddenly appeared around him. His father, king Rhyum stood to his left holding his arm. In front of his was a large black stone altar in the shape of a spider. Around the altar stood four men in dark robes each at one corner. Rhyum lifted Jaiden easily and sat him down hard on the altar. Four of the legs of the spider began to move and wrapped around his ankles and wrists, holding him down. Jaiden struggled trying to break free.

The men around the altar began to chant. The eight crystal eyes of the spider altar began to glow a deep dark red. One after another, they rose into the air and circled him. As the chanting continued they spun faster and faster. Rhyum approached the head of the altar. Raising both hands, he placed them down on Jaiden's head.

Suddenly every part of Jaiden's body exploded with pain. He could feel things moving and shifting inside of him. Every part of his being felt like it was being burnt into ashes. He opened his mouth to scream in pain, but no sound escaped. Suddenly the pain was gone and Rhyum stepped back releasing his head. The eight crystals were back in the spider's head. Jaiden felt the legs of the spider release him.

Rhyum spoke, and his words chilled Jaiden with dread. “The ritual is completed, we will perform the bonding tomorrow. Lock her in the tower for tonight.”

Jaiden looked down at himself, his father spoke truthfully. His once hard and muscular body was now smaller, smoother, and softer. He could see two large breasts on his chest. His vision blacked out and he fainted with one last thought. He had been transformed into a girl.

*****

Jaiden woke on a soft bed he did not recognize. A strange woman he had never seen before stood over him. She looked down at him with a look of absolute sadness.

“Who are you? Where am I?” Jaiden was shocked by the strange sound of his voice. Instantly his mind recalled the events of last night and he opened his mouth to scream.

The strange woman placed her hand over his mouth. She held it there firmly he continued to scream. After sometime Jaiden stopped trying to scream. He was feeling a bit lightheaded from the effort of screaming with a hand over his mouth.

The woman looked down at him keeping her hand in place. “I see he found you. Then all our hope is lost. I will let you go if you promise not to scream again.”

Jaiden nodded emphatically. She released him and he took a few deep breaths. She offered him a mug of water which he took and drank deeply. Long blond hair fell in front of his face, and he could see smooth dainty arms and small dainty hands holding the mug. It was all he could do to keep from screaming again. Instead he put down the mug and moved the hair from in front of his face. He grimaced. I suppose I will have to think of myself as she now...

“Where am I? Who are you?” she asked one more time. This time the sound of her new voice did not surprise her and set her off into another fit of screaming.

The woman gave her another sad smile. Jaiden, you are in a tower in the king's palace in Shiram, and I am your mother.”