Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve

Darkness had fallen when the men donned two homemade backpacks filled with food and clothes. Elaine took a pillowcase filled with her books and a few meager possessions. Stepping out of the cabin, she looked around the farm and bid goodbye.

Gavin was waiting. “Are you ready to leave, my love?”

With a silent nod, she allowed herself to be picked up. She held his neck as he lifted into the air. Antonius took the lead. Wings surging upward, they flew over the treetops.

Bitter cold assaulted Elaine's face as the altitude thinned above moonlit clouds. Bundled in her winter coat, she cuddled close to Gavin. His heart beat against her shoulder and provided constant heat.

“Aren't you cold?” she whispered.

“No, I'm fine. Are you warm enough?”

She nodded, looking down at the distant landscape below. The men leveled out and silence fell except for rustling feathers or the occasional wing beat. Eventually, fatigue pulled at her eyes. A yawn escaped despite her best efforts.

Gavin smiled and kissed her nose. “Antonius, would it be safe to rest for a couple hours? Elaine needs sleep.”

“I think so. I'll fly ahead and find a suitable location.”

“I'm fine, we can keep going,” she protested weakly. “I don't want to put us in danger.”

“Nonsense, dear girl. I could use sleep too.”

“Especially when you have to carry me.”

“You weigh nothing. It's a pleasure, not a burden.”

She giggled. “You're a liar but I love you even more for it.”

Antonius met up with them quickly. He led the way to a shallow cave set into a mountain cliff. The air was thin so high up but they would be hidden and safe. Gavin and Antonius took turns fetching water and pine boughs from the valley floor. A fire would give away their position but Elaine was able to prepare a cold meal of bear jerky, fruit and bread slices.

Other than dried foods and medicinal herbs, each backpack contained a warm bear fur which was pulled out after dinner. Antonius took his fur and sat in the cave opening for guard duty. Gavin and Elaine snuggled together for a few hours sleep. She nuzzled his neck, playfully kissing his jaw.

He smiled and shook his head. “Elaine, you need to sleep. I can't touch you when my lieutenant is sitting not twenty feet from us. Stop tempting me.”

“I was just admiring you, darling. I promise to behave.” She snuggled down, pulling his arms around herself. “How long do we have to travel?”

“We are going further north into the mountains. We should be at our destination by afternoon tomorrow.”

“What is Novus like? Is it very different to Earth?”

“It's different in some ways but similar in geography and climate.” He yawned, resting his cheek on her head. “Now go to sleep. No more questions for tonight, little minx.”

She giggled but was too tired to argue. He pulled the bear fur up to their necks. Warm and safe, she slipped into a restful slumber. At some point, he left their makeshift bed to relieve Antonius. The fur was tucked around her again.

Too soon, Gavin was patting her arm to wake her. She grumbled, refusing to give up sleep. A chuckle trickled to her ears. Insistent, he pulled the fur out of her clutches.

She yawned and stretched. “It can't be time to get up already.”

“I'm afraid that it is past time, sweetheart. We need to be traveling before sunrise.” He handed her a canteen and a slice of bread smothered with butter. “I made you breakfast. Thought I couldn't burn bread when we haven't even got a fire.”

She laughed. “I didn't know that an emperor would lower himself to serve food.”

“I'll always do my best to keep you happy.”

She pulled his head down to kiss his cheek. “I love when you talk like that.”

Once she ate the bread and brushed her teeth with baking soda, they packed up and left the cave. The flight became uncomfortable once a few hours had passed. Though she knew Gavin became tired, he refused to take rest again. Elaine didn't complain, sensing the tension within his body.

The sun rose in all its golden splendor. Skimming across fluffy, wispy clouds, Elaine was left spellbound by the beauty around her. Never in her wildest dreams had such a scene come before her eyes. Shades of pink, purple, orange, blue and red streaked across the sky, reflecting upon Gavin's tired face.

Elaine had an idea. “Why don't you let Antonius carry me?”

“I'll be fine.”

“It won't due to have you exhausted. Please?”

He hesitated but gave in to her suggestion. “Antonius, would you mind carrying Elaine for awhile?”

Banking to the left, Antonius rotated under Gavin and took Elaine from his arms. The hand-off was smooth but she still gasped. One wrong move and there would be a lot of time to think before hitting the ground.

“Thank you for giving him a break,” she said, trying to be friendly. “I hate being such a bother.”

He ignored her, looking straight ahead.

“You don't like me, do you?”

“He doesn't need a distraction. A war waits for us. There won't be room for a primitive.”

“I see. Lucky for me, he doesn't agree with your uncharitable sentiments.”

He glanced toward his friend who was flying out of earshot. “How do you know that he doesn't agree? I guarantee he has doubts about bringing you with us.”

“We are honest with each other. It's true, he wasn't thrilled at first.”

“Then you shouldn't have pushed him.”

“How is our relationship any of your business? You're out of line.”

“So are you going to run to him and tattle?” he scoffed, chuckling harshly. “Go ahead. He'll take your side every time.”

“Why don't you drop me right now then? I'll plummet to my death and you will get your best friend back,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

A momentary glint in his eyes struck fear through her heart. For a second, she wondered if he would actually have the nerve. Instead, he stared ahead and didn't speak again.

Three snow-capped mountains came into view, much larger than the rest in the Sierra Nevada range. The middle peak was incredibly beautiful and larger than the other two. The view was beyond breathtaking.

His wings beating purposefully, Gavin led the way, climbing higher in elevation. The temperature plummeted. She wrapped her arms around herself, shivering. Despite disliking him, she huddled closer to Antonius' warmth.

Gavin dropped back, leveling off next to them. “The portal is just ahead but it is guarded most likely. Antonius, take her to a safe outcropping and wait for me.”

Elaine didn't like that idea at all. “That sounds too dangerous. You need to get to your army alive, not in pieces.”

“Elaine, I don't have time to argue. I am well aware of the risks.”

“Her Grace is correct though. Let me go. If I get killed, no harm done.”

Surprised by the gruff soldier backing her up, she gauged her beloved's reaction. He needed rest but would never admit it. Their combined pressure paid off. With a nod, he glided down to a deep gorge. The men landed next to a stand of scraggly pine trees and dry brush.

Setting Elaine onto her feet, Antonius lifted off again and flew out of sight. Gavin guided her into the trees. She sat on a fallen tree and took off her bonnet. He leaned heavily upon a tree trunk, keeping watch. His wings were arched and stiff.

She admired her man. “My love, come sit with me and rest yourself.”

Vigilant, he didn't respond right away. “I don't require rest. Are you hungry?”

“A quick snack would be nice.”

He removed the backpack slung across his lower back. A bag of wild walnuts was removed. She took a handful and munched on those. Not moving from his post, he ate a few nuts as well. Even so, he was tense.

“We haven't had a moment to ourselves for awhile,” she said quietly, “”How are you really doing?”

His stiff posture loosening, he smiled at her. “I'm alright so long as you draw a breath.”

“I don't believe you. Ever since Antonius arrived, I have lost my relaxed fiancé. If only we could have stayed at the farm and enjoyed having each other to ourselves.”

A sad smile quirked his fine lips. “I've been thinking the same thoughts all day. Already, I miss working alongside you during the day and making love at night. Come here.”

Obeying his request, she took his hand. He pulled her against himself. His large hands slipped along her hips, cupping her buttocks. Her soft gasp was muffled by a passionate kiss.

He sighed deeply. “How I wish that I could lay you down right here but we can't take such a chance.”

“I'm so tired of this tension already and what it's doing to you, my love.” She touched his rough cheek. “Are you certain this is the path we are meant to follow?”

He shrugged. “My planet will descend into anarchy if a competent, legitimate heir doesn't assume the Imperial throne. The six continent states will war one against the other. Battling for power.”

“There isn't really a choice then, is there?”

“No, I don't have one. You still do though.”

She smiled, shaking her head. “And where would I go? I have no family and no home to rest my head. My life is pledged to what you believe is right.”

His head dipping low, he engulfed her with a second kiss. She clung to his shoulders and willed this moment to stretch for an eternity. His wings curled inward, encircling her in a soft, feathered prison.

Wings fluttered nearby, boots thudded down and Italian voices interrupted their embrace.

Gavin snapped backward, putting a finger to Elaine's lips. Fear was etched into his face but not for himself. He guided her ahead, deeper into the trees. Five shadowed figures closed in behind them. Twigs snapped and broke from every direction.

"Gira intorno, uomini---Circle around, men,” a deep, intimidating voice commanded from several hundred yards away. “Gavinicius, listen to me. Your brother, the exalted Imperial Emperor Darius, has demanded you attend an audience in his presence. Surrender yourself immediately and the girl will be kept alive.”

Elaine cowered against her beloved. “We can't go out there! They'll kill you! We have to fight.”

He turned to her and gripped her hand. “No, you'll be killed if I put up a struggle. Let's go together and I'll talk to my brother. If not for mine, I will plead for your life.”

Tears trembled in her eyes. “Antonius was right. I am nothing but a distraction. If I wasn't here, you could escape. I'm so sorry...”

Emotion brimmed in his eyes. “No, no, you have been the best thing to ever happen to me. I can never repay the love and understanding you've given me. No matter what happens, I love you, Elaine. Be brave and don't give up hope. We'll get out of this predicament, I promise.”

Her knees weakening, she followed him into the sunlight. His muscled right arm around her waist kept her close to himself. Nine winged soldiers surrounded them. All were clad in armor but only one wore a red-plumed helmet.

The middle-aged commander strode forward, a cruel smirk on his face. “Gavinicius, hai un grave problema a rimanere morto---Gavinicius, you have a severe problem staying dead. Take any weapons and tie them both. His Excellency is impatient to finish this.”

“How far you have fallen, Marco,” Gavin remarked as his hands were handcuffed behind him. “What happened to that honorable commander I knew all those years ago?”

“I could say the same, traitor. Your supporters killed Emperor Hadrian and wiped out the royal family in less than a hour. You've committed the single, worst offense in Novian history.”

Her hands being bound as well, Elaine scowled at the offensive man. “You are a fool to believe such a thing. Darius is the brutal imposter who killed those poor people. Gavin never would hurt his father!”

The guardsmen chuckled at her expense as Marco looked in her direction. “What do we have here? She's saucy for a mindless animal. Typical primitive. All emotion; no reason or intelligence.”

“Your quarrel is with me,” Gavin snarled, jerking against the four men holding him, “Do whatever you want to me but let this woman go. You are worst than a coward, Marco. I am ashamed to have ever called you a friend.”

She knew that he was baiting this soldier to distract him.

Leaving her alone, Marco stood eye to eye with the prisoner. “On the contrary, a coward doesn't die when sentenced to death by exile. Such a person commits ultimate treason against his planet when condemned by the people's judgment. You are a worthless excuse for even a criminal.”

Marco's fist shot out, connecting with Gavin's abdomen. Elaine cried out in horror as her beloved went down. His curled body was punched and kicked several times. He was hauled to his feet, bleeding and hardly conscious.

In shock, Elaine refused to cry. Terror coursed through her body as she tried to keep hope alive. Their plan to reach a sympathetic army and safe military camp had failed. Elaine didn't know what would happen now.

Gavin's wings were chained together and lengths of rope pinned his arms down.

Marco lifted into the air and his eight men followed, carrying the bound prisoners between them. The group raced over the mountains and landed on a stilted platform built into a rock face. Elaine shivered violently as a frigid wind blew snow around her.

Through a narrow crack in the mountainside, a golden archway towered above a smooth, concrete platform. The structure was higher than an oak tree and maybe twenty feet wide. A square board was set into the right-hand rock wall. Knobs and buttons surrounded a black rectangle on a metal background.

Marco touched the rectangle and it lit up. Elaine watched in fascination as colored images and Italian text crossed the rectangle. He pressed several buttons and turned different knobs. The archway crackled and rippled, shimmering like troubled water.

A white, pillared palace of classical Roman architecture came into view. Elaine had seen drawings and paintings before in books. The lavish building would have been breathtaking if not viewed from her predicament.

Marco waved his men and the prisoners through the archway. Snow gave way to two flights of marble steps leading up to the palace entrance. Dressed in silver armor and red capes, hundreds of soldiers marched on parade within the courtyard below. Outside a spiked gate, an angry crowd roared curses and hurled stones at them.

This planet's atmosphere was humid. Elaine felt a great weight on her chest. Her lungs had trouble taking each breath. The air had a strange aftertaste which caught the back of her throat. A sun, warm and golden, was the only familiar attribute.

Great cathedral doors were slammed shut behind the group, blocking out sunlight.

The palace interior was eerily quiet save for the echoing boot heels of her captors. She trembled, walking down majestic, opulent corridors. Frescoed ceilings, gold plating and crystal glass chandeliers caught her attention. Rooms flashed past, filled with priceless art, red carpets, marble fireplaces, fancy furniture and endless amounts of goldwork.

They arrived at a pair of double doors decorated with eagles, wings and odd symbols. Four winged guards stood sentry outside, armed with large, bulbous weapons which resembled rifles.

Marco received salutes and did likewise. “Commander Marconus presenting two prisoners for the Emperor's pleasure.”

One of the sentries nodded sharply. “Entrance granted. His Excellency has been expecting your arrival. ”

The doors opened inward by themselves. A spacious expanse was revealed, filled with people dressed in colorful, flowing, draped attire. Floor-length windows lined either wall. Sunlight streamed inside, glinting off jewels and the black marble tiles.

The room fell silent, curious stares sent the prisoners' way. Marco strode forward. Wealthy courtiers and nobles parted like water before him. Elaine looked to Gavin. He glanced her way, his eyes apologizing for this humiliation. She attempted a soothing smile before her attention was arrested elsewhere.

A plump, average man sat upon a flamboyant throne which was too big for him. Winged sentries flanked each side. He was dressed in purple robes; upon his black hair balanced a gold laurel wreath.

This person couldn't be Darius. He didn't look anything like his brother. Then she remembered that they had different fathers. From the looks of this man, Gavin had inherited all the beauty and wit.

This man had a mellow, pudgy face, smiling when Marco bowed low in his presence. “My dear Commander Marconus, you return in triumph, I see.”

A broad grin cheapened the soldier's arrogant persona. “Indeed, Exalted Majesty, I have captured the traitor, Gavinicius, and present him to receive your merciful justice.”

“Quite right.” Darius' eyes flicked over the unfortunate couple. “And who might this woman be?”

“A mere primitive, Your Majesty. She was found with him. I would have killed her on the spot but thought better. She has a fiery temper and might amuse you.”

Horrified, Elaine stared down at her bound hands, too ashamed to look up.

“She is an interesting object, to be sure.” Darius' voice contained a sneer. “You have always had superior taste in women, baby brother. But isn't a primitive rather a step down from your normal fare?”

Next to her, Gavin's body trembled with rage. “She possesses far more courage than any person in this room...especially you, brother. Our mother would be appalled by your behavior.”

Darius pursed his lips. “I had to make my own way. Our versions of childhood are very different. She only cared about her golden child. You.”

“I trusted and loved you as a beloved brother,” Gavin's voice faltered a little, “When I heard of your treachery, I defended you. In the end, even I had to concede that you are no longer the honorable sibling I grew up with.”

Darius' shrill cackle sent an icy chill up her spine.

Carrying a golden scepter, he minced down the steps to their level. He stopped before Gavin who stiffened his back proudly, towering over this pathetic runt of a man.

Sporting a creepy smile, Darius continued past to her.

“She is a beautiful piece. Perhaps I misjudged your choice.” He grasped her chin, tilting her head up. “Yes, I think she will make a perfect slave for my bedchambers, don't you?”

“Don't hurt her!” Gavin cried, fighting the guards holding him. “Kill me instead. Flay the skin from my body one inch at a time but leave her alone. She is nothing to you.”

“Oh, I wouldn't hurt such a beauty but she will know the difference between a real man and...what little you have offered her. She'll be a true woman before leaving my bed. That is, I assume she is still a virgin?”

Her blood running cold, Elaine shook under his penetrating, lecherous gaze. Such innocent cruelty oozed from his every pore. Tracing a line between her breasts, he dropped his hand. The court was quiet as he hiked up the steps and sat upon the throne. His head lowered in a slight nod. A hard shove from behind sent her sprawling up the stairs. She cried out, using her bound hands to break her fall at his feet.

Gavin lunged and fought the guards holding him. “You bastard! I swear, if you touch so much as a hair on her head, I'll tear you limb from limb.”

A wicked grin twisted Darius' countenance into a snarl. “Baby brother, her lovely body belongs to me now. I intend upon executing you...slowly. But not before you reveal where your supporters are gathered. Marco, I leave his interrogation in your talented hands. Take him out of my sight forever.”

As he was dragged from the court, Gavin shouted, “Elaine, I love you...don't give up!”

Emotional anguish hitting her gut, Elaine couldn't even cry out. Fingers caressed her hair from above. Nausea gripped her stomach.

“So your name is Elaine, is it?” Darius said, chuckling gleefully. “You will make an appropriate trophy to lord over my insolent brother. Rise, maiden, so I may look upon you.”

She knew what needed to be done. “I will do whatever you desire so long as you spare Gavin's life.” She raised her eyes. “I will serve you if mercy is given him.”

A murmur rippled across the room. However, Darius held up his hand and silence fell at once. She rose to her feet, head lowered in submission. A deadly plan had already started forming but care must be taken.

“You aren't a normal primitive. Very well, I want to be known as a compassionate monarch and will consider commuting Gavin's execution. But only if you gain my favor during the coming days.”

Hearing softness in his monotone voice, Elaine curtsied to the floor. “Your Majesty, we will be your loyal subjects for the rest of our lives.”

“I need proof of your obedience. Sit on my lap.”

Battling revulsion, she obeyed in silence. Cold lips pressed against her mouth. Molesting fingers groped her hips and breasts through her dress. Tensing, she gritted her teeth and remained compliant.

“Simply charming.” Pleased, he let her slip off his lap. “Guards, take the chains off and summon handmaidens to attend her needs. My lovely, they will teach you court customs and how to please your emperor the most.”

She curtsied again. “As you wish. You possess my loyalty, my body and anything else I can give.”

He took her hand and kissed it. “You are dismissed, beauty. Prepare yourself for my arrival. Make sure to wear very little.”

Two meek, feminine women approached, dressed in pastel fabrics. Each took one of her arms and guided her out. A wingless soldier followed to guard her, no doubt.

Darius wouldn't spare Gavin's life, she knew.

Calm had stolen through her soul. A drawer containing old, survival habits had been unlocked. She was Gavin's wife in all but name. She would do anything to avenge him and get that bastard off his rightful throne.

No matter what happened to her afterward, Darius would die that night...by any means at her disposal.