Lavender & Ice

43. Heartbreak

Kietnan nodded stiffly.

"She didn't go into great detail, but she begged me to help her hide while she figured out what to do. I was so shocked. I thought I'd be the last person she'd turn to. But she knew I'd understand her reasoning in the matter."

Joreth drew in a deep breath as he watched his brother become more and more tense. "And of course you know, my wife would never turn away someone asking for sanctuary."

"Sanctuary?! From-" Kietnan cut himself off and drew in a breath. "It doesn't matter right now, I just want to see her. Anything else I should know?"

"Teluq has been staying with her, it's just the two of them at the cave. Other than that, only our parents know of her location."

Kietnan nodded.

"She loves you, brother, she doesn't want to leave, I have no doubt of it. She just doesn't realize it herself yet. And I know right now it won't matter to you, but I hope one day it might. But I want to apologize for my words and my behavior in the past and tell you the two of you have my blessing. I sincerely hope she stays."

Kietnan drew in a deep breath through his nose, closing his eyes for a brief moment before clasping his brother's shoulder. "Thank you, brother."

"Now, let's go." They took off in a sprint, thankful for the stamina their training requires of them. As he ran, Kietnan thought of the trials and meeting Ashima, of all of their time together. By the time they reached the cave, his chest was burning and his eyes were blurry. 

However, as soon as Joreth opened the entrance, Kietnan's emotions cleared. His mind and body focused clearly and excitement took over, albeit mixed with some nervousness.

"Does she know I'm coming?"

Joreth nodded. "I spoke with her yesterday, but felt it safer to come back during the night since this trip isn't exactly approved."

At this Kietnan nodded and they entered.

"Teluq, it's Joreth." He called out through the tunnel in warning to the guard.

When they got no response they quickened their pace, only to find an empty dwelling.

"Ashima?" Kietnan called out eagerly, a pit growing in his stomach. They circled the large room but found nothing. "Has she run again?" He asked, growing worried.

"No. I don't think so. Teluq is gone as well. The fire has been put out and the bedding and supplies are all packed up and gone. With what had accumulated over the past few days, and with Ashima's human strength, there's no way they carried it all alone."

"I don't have a good feeling about this." Kietnan stated and Joreth nodded his agreement.

"I don't see any clues here, let's go."

Once outside, the brothers turned opposite directions to look for tracks.

"Over here." Joreth called out and Kietnan quickly came to look. "Several tracks heading East." They moved quickly, following the trail.

"Kietnan..." Joreth spoke. "The direction we're going."

"I know." Kietnan said harshly, visibly distraught.

They doubled their speed, abandoning tracking methods and simply heading to the location they feared.

"It's too early." Joreth questioned.

"I guess things changed."

"Almost there, do not worry brother."

When they were mere minutes away from their destination, a bright light cut through the trees along with a strong gust of wind, halting their steps for a moment before they sprinted in the direction of the strange occurrence.

Joreth struggled to keep up with his brother as he raced forward.

"Shima!" Joreth heard his brother's cry a moment before he also entered the clearing to find Japheth, Thala, Garen, Teluq, and a dozen guards staring at the two brothers.

"Kietnan? Joreth? What are you-"

"Where is she?!" Kietnan yelled at anyone who would answer.

"Son, perhaps we should return-" Japheth started.

"No!" Joreth's chest felt pained as he heard his brother's anguished cry. "Shima!" He closed his eyes as Kietnan fell to his knees and let out a sob.

"Father? Mother?" Joreth turned his eyes away from his brother. "What have you done?"

"They sent word only a few hours ago that they'd arrived early. We hardly had time to prepare." Thala answered.

"You could have made them wait."

"And allow them time and an excuse to stay here and explore our planet?" Garen shook his head as if disappointed in his nephew.

"Why were the rest of The Premier not woken as well?"

"It all happened quickly, we saw no need to risk exposing more of the Premier to this dangerous situation."

"You knew what she meant to him, what this decision would do. How could you do this to him?!" Joreth raised his arms up in disbelief.

"How dare you raise your voice at your Queen." Japheth and Garen both protested. "Show respect."

"Respect is earned." Joreth shook his head. "Now all I feel is disappointment and shame. In you and in myself."

Thala gasped. "How dare-"

"Thala." Japheth placed his hand on her shoulder. "I warned you this would happen. Come. Let's go home and we shall meet in the morning after they've had some time."

When the king, queen, general, and their guard took steps to leave, Teluq ran up to Joreth who was now standing directly above the grieving Kietnan. "I tried to stall them for as long as I could. I'm sorry. I have failed you."

"No Teluq, there is nothing you could have done. It is I who have failed them. I waited too long to come to my senses."

With a deep breath, he leaned down and placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. The two embraced and Joreth could only sit there while Kietnan's cries echoed through the forest. 

~~~~~~~~~

Author's Note:

The story is not over! What do you think will happen next?