Chapter 10: Chapter Ten

Elaine stepped closer against him. “Darling, what's wrong?”

“There are eyes watching us.”

She looked around intently but didn't see anything. “How can you tell?”

“I can hear someone rustling around behind the barn. Stay close to me.”

Gripping his arm fearfully, Elaine kept pace until they reached the cabin. She gasped when a strange figure stepped out from the black shadows. She couldn't see who this person could be. Gavin's nostrils flared red as he readied for a fight.

“Who are you, trespasser? Step into the light.”

Don't you know me? I would have thought you would remember your best friend.”

Surprise transformed Gavin's body posture. “Antonius? By all the gods, how were were able to find me?”

“Believe destiny for here I am in the flesh.”

Elaine's eyes grew wide as a hulking figure emerged from the darkness. While Gavin was a blonde, green-eyed beauty, this man was dark, bearded and a decade older. He wore silver armor embellished with an eagle and ornate foliage. A black metal helmet adorned his head, crowned with red plumage. A long sword was buckled at his side.

She drew back when the man emerged fully into the sun. Two huge, black wings dragged behind him. His wingspan was judged to be twelve feet or more when they were fully extended. The spectacle of the majestic, proud appendages thrilled and terrified her.

“Elaine Bower, this is my good friend, Antonius, from the continent state of Paradisum.”

Gathering her wits, she smiled and curtsied. “Wonderful to meet you. Gavin and I were going to eat our midday meal. Are you hungry?”

“Yes, I certainly am famished, beautiful maiden.” Antonius bowed from the waist. “Fortune smiled upon my friend indeed. You are a sparkling gem in this wasteland.”

She blushed, her cheeks heating up. “Thank you for the compliments though they aren't warranted, I'm sure. I'll go finish lunch. Gavin, won't you invite our guest inside?”

“Yes, of course. Antonius, you must break bread with us. Catch me up on the latest news of your family. How is Marian and that bouncing baby girl?”

Once they were inside, Elaine listened to their conversation while she finished preparing lunch.

The winged soldier smiled affectionately. “My wife and child are safe and healthy but serious business requires your immediate attention.”

“I am no longer your superior officer, Antonius. There could be no business left for my attention.”

“Emperor Hadrian and his entire royal family have been destroyed.”

Elaine heard Gavin's sharp intake of breath. “How could such an atrocity be possible?”

“Darius has taken power with support from our ranks. He took no time in executing our Emperor, his children, his wives and anyone else sympathetic to the Imperial dynasty.”

“My brother is ruthless but I never expected him to sink so low for power. I was a fool to let my guard down.”

“Don't berate yourself, my friend. Blood ties can shadow darker motives at times. He has no rightful claim to the throne but...you do, Gavin.”

Her mind racing, Elaine couldn't believe what she was hearing. She knew that Gavin was special but not to this unworldly extent. Her hands shaking, she brought the plate of sandwiches to the table and poured milk into three glasses.

The men had fallen silent while she bustled around. Gavin looked upset. When she took a seat beside him, he grasped her hand and squeezed firmly. She smiled, attempting to lend support. The meal was consumed with few words being spoken.

At last, Antonius ventured another opinion as they sipped coffee uncomfortably. “Since the royal line has been devastated, you know very well that you are the last tie to Emperor Hadrian's blood.”

“Why should I care? You know what happened as well as I do. I was sentenced to death by exile and forever shunned by my countrymen.”

“And yet by a blessed miracle, here you sit before me, alive and thriving. Men may make rash decisions but destiny will out.”

“Don't be so ludicrous,” Gavin snorted, winking at Elaine. “Destiny had nothing to do with my survival. This beautiful woman discovered me close to death and extended kindness. She saved my life and showed me how sweet life could be. I have no interest in your news, Antonius. My country is with her, not as ruler of Novus.”

Looking cross, Antonius sat back and crossed his arms. “So a primitive is further above the Imperial throne and your duty to protect our planet's sovereignty? She is a lovely prize but not worth such a high price.”

Gavin's fist slammed down upon the table. He stood up and his chair flew back into the far wall. Rage trembled within his muscles, fists clenching and unclenching. His eyes, vibrant green when happy, had turned dark and stormy in righteous anger.

“Never again will you insult my treasured woman, sir. Only because you are my last friend will I let it go. You may sleep tonight in the barn but I want you gone by morning's first light.”

The soldier glanced between Gavin and Elaine. She avoided his gaze, twisting her hands within her skirt. The soldier bowed respectfully, his wings rustling as he left the cabin. Gavin slammed the door behind him and leaned against the wood frame afterward.

“Darling, you needn't have defended me so forcefully,” Elaine muttered quietly. “Believe me, I have been called much worse and by worse ilk than your distinguished friend.”

He whirled around, emotion trembling in his eyes. “You are mine now. I will never allow your honor to be tainted without defending you.”

“But I was a prostitute. Insults and shame will follow me throughout my entire life. You must accept this fact as I have had to accept it long ago.”

He sank to his knees before her chair, taking her hands in his. “My mother was a woman of the night as well. Even so, she was given respect because I punished anyone who mistreated her. You are far more precious than even she.”

Speechless, Elaine cradled his head in her lap. He trembled silently, weeping liquid pain. All she could do was kiss his blonde curls and rub his back. He quieted but didn't pull away from her arms. Minutes ticked by while she provided comfort for this beautiful, mysterious stranger.

“Gavin, you don't have to prove your love to me. I'm not your mother but we both appreciate the fierce protection you've shown us. You don't have to fight any longer. Not for her or me or your lost countrymen. You are free at last.”

He stood up, shaking his head. “Antonius was right about Darius. My brother won't stop because he has conquered the Imperial throne. He will use Paradisum's power to destroy the planet unless stopped.”

“Destroy the planet? Imperial throne? What is going on today?” she protested, wiggling out from his grasp. “Your friend is a man with gigantic wings like an angel or something! All of this isn't anywhere normal for me even if it is for you. I need explanations, answers, I need...time to process, for God's sake!”

“I know. I just can't talk about it.”

“Then I guess we are back to where we were this morning. How can I help you when you won't talk to me?”

Gavin had been petting Cricket without comment. He took the shotgun down from the wall and grabbed a large knife. Frigid ice had fallen across his face.

“I am going out to hunt bear. You need not fear Antonius but do not go near him. Please, do not disobey me on this.”

She crossed her arms. “Will you be coming back?”

“Do you have to ask? I wouldn't leave you behind.”

Relenting a bit, she crossed the room to him and kissed his cheek. “Be safe and take care of yourself. You aren't the only one who is allowed to worry. I couldn't bear to ever lose you, my love.”

“I won't be gone long. You are not the only one who needs time to process the day's events. I will return when I decide how to proceed.”

He disappeared out the door and Elaine was left to her frustrated confusion. A mental scream began in her stomach and shot up her spine. I hate men! I hate men! They are the most exasperating, most stubborn creatures ever to be in existence. Well, if I can't get answers out of one, I'll ask the other.

Gavin had asked specifically that she stay away from his friend. Who did he think she was to be ordered whom not to talk to? Not in her lifetime. His request made the idea all more tempting. He would be so upset but that thought drove her faster towards the barn.

She knocked on the barn door before slipping inside. Antonius was stretched out on a haystack, his wings wrapped around himself like a feather blanket. He opened his eyes when she drew closer.

“I apologize for insulting you, fair maiden. My words were said in anger. Tell Gavin that I regret my behavior and desire his forgiveness.”

“You can ask him yourself when he gets back from hunting.” She sat in the straw and drew her legs under her skirt. “I wanted to have a necessary talk with you.”

He chuckled, closing his eyes again. “So you waited until Gavin left? Does he know that you are here with me?”

“No, he doesn't. I love him but he doesn't control my decisions. I need answers and he refuses to talk to me. Will you, Antonius?”

“Has he told you anything at all about Novus?”

She shook her head. “I'm tired of waiting for him to open up. I think we both want to help him but I can't do that without the entire story.”

“I can see what he saw in you, Miss Elaine. You are a clever woman.” He put his hands behind his head, staring up at the loft. “I am at your disposal. What part of Gavin's past do you want to hear about first?”

“Start from the beginning and don't spare my feelings with half-truths, please.”

“He would probably kill me if he knew I was going to tell you these things.”

“I won't let him.”

He laughed from the belly. “I suppose you could, fair maiden. My life is in your lovely hands then.”

“His mother...who was she exactly?”

“Gavin was born to an escort named Sessilee. His father was Emperor Hadrian.”

“He is a prince?”

“The short answer is yes. He wasn't raised in the royal house.”

“And Darius? Is he of royal blood too?”

“No. Sessilee birthed each but only Gavin knew who his birth father was growing up. Darius is a welp born of a random customer.”

Elaine hesitated before asking her next question. “When I found him...his body had been beaten and tortured somehow. What happened to him?”

Pain crossed Antonius' face. “Ah, now that is one story you shouldn't want to hear. Are you certain?”

Her every cell screamed against this knowledge but still she nodded, desperate for light to be shone upon hidden truth.

He leaned forward, resting his arms upon bare knees. “He and Darius joined Novus' fighting warriors, The Praetorian Guard, at a young age. While Darius dropped out quickly, Gavin became the strongest of us all. When a guardsmen finishes their ten years of training, a ceremony is performed. Two hundred years ago, scientists developed a serum which grants our wings, increased strength, controlled aggression and superior healing powers among other things. The process is painful but a true honor.”

“Gavin had wings?”

“Yes, they were beautiful, proud and true. White with gold edging. Only those of royal blood can sprout such unique colors. The rest of us have black wings.”

“But he doesn't have them now. Why?”

“Darius betrayed him.” Anger burned from his body, his wings stiffening behind him. “Gavin loved his half-brother and trusted him far too much. There was an assassination attempt upon Emperor Hadrian. As the only witness and the emperor's trusted advisor, Darius pointed the finger at Gavin who was swiftly punished. I knew he couldn't have done such a crime but could only watch helplessly.”

He was struggling through this part but Elaine had to know. “Please, Antonius, tell me what happened to him. Won't you? I need to know and he won't talk about it.”

“Very well.” He winced as the memory overcame him. “Execution-by-exile is the brutal price for treason. The victim is strapped down on a table in a public gallery. Then he is injected with a drug which dampens the Praetorian healing and strength. Most of it but it can't eradicate all. His wings are amputated slowly to draw out the agony. After this, the criminal is handed over to the guardsmen and beaten into unconsciousness. Then he is thrown through a portal which leads off planet. Gavin was meant to die slowly of his wounds and environmental exposure.”

Sickened in her stomach, Elaine gulped back tears and stood up. “Thank you, Antonius. You have been a well of knowledge and I appreciate how open you've been.”

He smiled. “I was doing my duty by Gavin and what was best for him. I suspect he wanted me to fill you in on events which he couldn't face.”

“I don't understand.”

“He had to know how headstrong you are and planned accordingly. Don't you think his hunting interlude was a little convenient?”

“And he did forbid me talking to you before he left.” She sighed, knowing he was correct. “Here I thought that I was outsmarting him.”

He chuckled, settling further into the straw. “Gavin didn't become a senior Praetorian officer by being a fool. Never underestimate him, fair maiden.”

Elaine nodded. “I have no intention of doing so. Is there anything I can get you?”

“No, I'm comfortable enough.”

“I'll be serving dinner later. Come up to the cabin when the sun goes down.”

“Gavin won't like my presence.”

“Let me handle him. You are our guest and I won't allow him to be rude. Rest for awhile and I'll see you later.”

Leaving him to sleep, she decided to feed the animals early. Extra hay was thrown to Mercury and the cow was milked. There was only eight eggs so early in the day but she collected them gratefully. Once chores were finished, she headed to the cabin.

Sympathy twinged within her, upsetting her stomach further. She wanted to cry. Since she had met Gavin, he had undergone far more agony than a normal man could endure without breaking. Now she knew that his earlier life had been worse still.

My poor Gavin. He has been through so much and all I've done is nag him into talking about his pain. I am so ashamed of myself. How could he love such a crass, thoughtless woman? Maybe he'll get tired of me and find another which has a brain in her head.

The front door of the cabin clicked shut an hour later.

Sitting on the bed, she wiped her face and forced a smile before Gavin stuck his head around the corner. He walked in, nervously rubbing his hands together. She took his hand when he sat on the bed. She kissed his wrist and smiled up at him.

“Today has been hard. Would you like a herbal massage later?”

He shook his head. “You do not have to pamper me so much. I do not ask it of you.”

“You didn't. It gives me great pleasure to make your life that little bit better.”

“I don't make yours better, do I? You deserve to be treated like a queen. Instead, I am always hurting you.”

She reached up, stroking the soft curls at his neck. “This is real life, my love. People who love each other still hurt each other. I've hurt you too.”

“It's not the same. From what Antonius has said, I will be hunted down if Darius finds out that I survived the execution. If you don't go your own way, death could be the result.”

“At the risk of sounding like a cheesy dime novel, dying next to you is more than I could hope for. Don't ask me to leave you.”

“I am. You need to find love with another.”

With a smile, she leaned upon his shoulder. “Besides you, the world is filled with little men. There won't be another for me. Where you go, I follow.”

Before he could answer, the ceiling crashed on top of them. Elaine screamed as three winged men descended, grabbed Gavin and lifted him out of the hole. Shouts echoed far above. He fell back to Earth, crashing into the main room.

She ran and fell to her knees at his side.

Gasping and bleeding, he pushed her away. “Get out of here! Go to Antonius...”

“No, I won't!” she cried, clutching at his torn tunic.

“Go before they kill you too!”

Leaving him for mere seconds, she ran for the shotgun in the bedroom. Cricket was cowering under the bed, whining pitifully. She grabbed the dog and shoved him out the back door. Hands shaking, she ripped aside fallen boards and found the weapon.

Gavin cried out. A struggle ensued, destroying what was left of the tiny cabin. She cocked the double barrel, ensuring two shells had been previously loaded. Scrambling over rubble, she clawed her way outside.

In the front yard, Gavin had been joined by Antonius. One blackened assassin was able to separate them, occupying Antonius while Gavin was beaten to the ground by the other two. She raised the shotgun, took careful aim and fired without hesitation. First one then the second of Gavin's attackers fell dead from him.

Antonius killed the final assassin with a singular sword thrust.

She hurried to Gavin as he struggled to his feet. “My darling, are you injured? Please say that you're alright!”

He was breathing heavily and holding his left side. “Don't worry, I'm fine.”

“No, you're bleeding. Take your hand away this instant.”

Wincing, he brought his hand away. Blood stained his torso. Relief was sweet when she diagnosed superficial wounds from a few stray shotgun pellets. A gash bled from his jaw but otherwise he was unharmed.

A breeze gusted around them as Antonius flew overhead and touched down.

Gavin nodded at his friend. “I was much too harsh earlier, Antonius. Thank you for helping me survive.”

“Those assassins have proven that you are my sovereign and the one who will save our planet.” He dropped to one knee. “I pledge my service to your eternal protection.”

Elaine gripped her beloved's arm. “What does he mean?”

With a heavy sigh, Gavin shook his head. “Since they tried to assassinate me, that means I must be the only surviving heir of the Imperial dynasty. By Novian custom, I am the next automatic ruler, regardless of my station.”

“You are the emperor without even being crowned?”

“If I choose to take the title which I won't. Antonius, rise from your knees. I will not be returning to Novus. You are free to go.”

“I suspected the truth and came to protect my sovereign.” The soldier shook his head. “I won't leave you or your woman unguarded again.”

“As you wish, my friend. I fear your hopes are lost upon me. There isn't anything I want to do with Novus or its people.”

“We can speak of this in due time. Let the maiden tend your wounds. I'll clean away the bodies.”

Elaine led Gavin back into the ruined cabin. One chair had been spared so she settled him there. She dug among the rubble and found a broken jar of herbal ointment. In silence, she cleaned the blood from his body and spread ointment on the minor lacerations.

Once finished, she stood behind him, hugging his neck.

“Elaine, I don't know how all this came about. I'm sorry that you had to be involved.”

“My love, you don't have a choice now.” she said solemnly. “You have to go back home.”

“I don't see why,” he said, craning his neck to see her. “My so-called people were more than happy to believe the worst. They exiled me without a second thought. I owe them nothing.”

“Your place and talents belong upon a throne. Your brother knows that you are alive. Without protection, he will kill you.”

“Antonius is staying.”

“He isn't enough and you know it. The three assassins or whatever who attacked are only the beginning. Your brother knows that you're alive and he won't stop.”

“I was cast out. There can't be a single Novian citizen from any continent state who would accept me as the sovereign. It's an impossible situation.”

“I have been cast out by society too. We will face this together.”

Antonius cleared his throat, interrupting their brief kiss. “You are mistaken, my friend. I assure you, Darius' military rule is not welcomed. The people would rally behind you. Two-thirds of the Praetorian Guard are waiting for a proper leader and you are that person.”

He pulled a vial of blue liquid from inside his breastplate and set it down on the table.

Gavin's eyes grew wide, darting between them. “Why are the two of you forcing such dishonor upon me? Novus is built upon ancient rites, ceremonies and laws which were created and are observed for a reason. I was innocent when convicted of treason the last time. If I take the Praetorian serum without sanction, I am guilty beyond pardoning.”

“Darling, we want you to live,” Elaine pleaded, “An army of mighty, winged soldiers could keep you safe and protected. Listen to your friend, I beg you.”

He hesitated, searching her face. “I will return but only if you accompany me. I fear that you will be a target as well and in constant danger. I want to keep an eye on you.”

“I wasn't the one who was saved by a weak, primitive woman with a shotgun.” She laughed as his eyebrows shot up. “Of course, I will come with both of you.”

Antonius stepped forward, getting their attention. “Gavin, you will have to take the serum. The only way to your troops is to fly. We need to move before Darius' demons find us again.”

Elaine could feel a tremor pass through her beloved's body. He was conflicted. She gripped his shoulders, conveying support. He calmed beneath her touch. Part of her didn't want their domestic paradise to end. The other half knew a choice wasn't being offered.

Gavin's reality was one of danger, royalty, foreign languages and strange cultures. If she wanted him, the frightening mysteries and secrets would have to accepted too. Her course was set upon a fateful path. Next to his side, supporting and loving him, must be the purpose which her feeble life served.

Gavin took the vial in hand. “Best get on with this unpleasant task. You will have to help me, Antonius.”

“I'm coming too,” Elaine insisted as the men left the ruined cabin. “What can I do to help?”

“No, you shouldn't witness this,” Antonius spoke up, holding up a hand to stop her. “The serum is extremely painful for some time. A woman shouldn't be involved in the process.”

“Excuse me? I wasn't talking to you. This will be his pain and it's his decision who is there to support him.”

Gavin grimaced and gave a tired shrug. “She is not a wilting flower, my friend. Leave her alone.”

“What will be required for this procedure?” she asked, bracing herself.

Antonius rolled his eyes. “Fine. I'll need four lengths of rope and something for him to bite down on. Bring these items to the large tree behind the stables.”

“I know the spot. I'll put Cricket in the barn and meet you both out there.”

Once the dog was safely confined, she found the rope and a leather strap. A moment was taken for a quick prayer. She was scared for Gavin but curious about this new culture. The items in her arms, she trekked out to the same oak tree where Gavin had kissed her not so long ago. If only those sweet days would have remained forever.

The men began the ritual once she was present.

Antonius handed her the rope. “We will have to bind him to the tree. Wind this length about his waist. Gavin, grasp these low branches for support and I'll bind your wrists to them.”

Nervous but resolute, Elaine helped secure Gavin's body against the rough bark. He had removed his tunic and wore only a thick loincloth. The scars on his bare back showed up dark pink against the pale glow of his shoulders.

Antonius slipped the leather between Gavin's teeth and pulled a silver syringe out of a velvet pouch. The vial was loaded into the top and the needle poised over Gavin's neck. He glanced at her.

“I would step back if I were you.”

“Are you still telling me what to do?” she said, irritated.

Gavin looked over his left shoulder. “My love, this won't be pleasant. Stand back so you won't be hurt.”

“I love you. You can do this, darling,” she whispered in his ear before stepping back.

Antonius sank the needle into Gavin's neck and emptied the contents into his bloodstream.

Within seconds, he reared back against his bonds. His face turned red, veins throbbing along his forehead. Air sobbed through his teeth. He yanked at the ropes, fighting against the pain. A guttural groan wracked his frame. Twisting and crying out, he suffered forever it seemed to Elaine.

“What's happening to him? Help him, please!” she cried, clutching Antonius' arm.

He crossed his arms and shrugged nonchalantly. “The serum must run its course. The process only lasts ten or fifteen minutes.”

“But he is in such pain!”

“Discomfort is fleeting while the reward is eternal. Be patient, fair maiden.”

Sweat poured from Gavin's burning skin. He struggled painfully for each gasping breath. Her heart broke at the sight but she didn't dare approach him. His size was increasing. His height grew by a foot, taking him to around seven and a half feet. The ropes frayed. He let out a strangled scream.

Movement bubbled under the ragged scars on his shoulder blades. Bones cracked and punctured his back, reaching outward. Two blood trails trickled down his skin. Twin wings took shape and grew from his shoulders. Pure white and trimmed with shining gold, the feathers rustled and trembled with newborn life.

Her beloved collapsed against the tree, gasping for air.