A caravan made its way along an abandoned route, meandering south into the desert country and the steaming jungles beyond. The journey would take many months, but for the most part no one chaffed at the time. They were refugees without real destination. All bruised in body and mind, but no one so much as the soul sequestered in the closed wagon, surrounded by armed servants and a snarling blue eyed beast of a man.
Blayr was plagued by fever and pain caused by his father’s brutal rape. Years of stress, fear and injuries having depleted his body’s defenses. To further inhibit recovery were the nightmares which dogged his days and nights. Every death from his birth to the sacrifice of his jaguar companion came to rest in his mind. The cat was aged and Blair knew if their effort failed Buthus would not hesitate to take vengeance even to torturing the animal. Blayr held him close and the animal nuzzled and licked his chin, even as the blade slid into his heart. The final agonies of his father’s life rang throughout the cavern, his roar of rage and choking agony beating against Blayr’s ears.
Was this the only way? Did so many need to die by his hand? Would his father ever stop screaming? Didn’t he hate the monster who sired him? Why did he feel there was something more he could have done? Was death the only peace to be found?
His Chosen feared he would not survive, but lent themselves to the task of protecting the caravan. Jas cared for him as Megyn and Jae instructed, through the long weeks.
Only when the children began to visit did the prince appear to rally. Kichi reminded him of his promise to show them the world’s delights and prove that there was beauty in it as they had only seen it horrors.
He still had a responsibility to his people, especially to his little ones. They must be taught to recognize the desire for power and ward against it, or once again one such as his father could hold their world prisoner.
Samien reminded him of his servants and many supporters with entire households traveling together, unable or unwilling to break away from their liege lord. Though he refused to acknowledge title or authority, they would not make decisions without his input or final word to stop the squabbling. Samien would not take charge at these times. They would find Darrel, Samien’s heir and the remaining people of his land.
Kahlil stunned Blayr with news. Megyn pregnant with his child, conceived on the day the Chosen lay with him. His former lover wept and pleaded with Blayr to live and help raise the child. Megyn wished to find her Mother. Blayr should speak to the golden Wyrm who was older than humankind on their world. Surely she could ease the darkness that tainted his existence.
Rafe wanted him to stand at the blessing of his union with Lisbeth, the golden haired slave who filled his vision the first day beneath Blayr’s roof.
And foremost, Jas, not given the choice but compelled by the bond to follow him into death. On the few occasions the dark cloud lifted from his mind, the prince saw clearly his lover wasting away even as he.
So...he must find a way to overcome his own pain and disillusionment for the sake of those who lost as much or more. Their spirits still hungered for life.
A cheer went up the day he stepped from the wagon. He did not protest as Samien raised him to the front of his saddle and rode the length of the caravan. A breeze carried the scent of fresh water. His subjects swarmed the horse anxious to touch him and see for themselves.
"Our king, our king. Long live the king!"