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In the Land of Arborea	By : Sweetsong22 Category: +S through Z > Tera Online Views: 6239 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Tera Online. All rights go to ENMASSE Entertainment and their collborators. There is no profit being earned from this fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
- 13
A.N. To my few readers, I apologize for the delay. But I've actually been leveling my character in the game, thus the reason for the slow pace. It's been really fun! About a couple more chapters left of this and I promise they will be worth the wait. =)

Chapter 12
          The sun was high overhead with not a cloud in the sky, the air was cool and dry with the promise of a beautiful day.   Muddy water trickled through an earthen riverbed which was dotted by the occasional prickly bush. Every now and then, a lizard would dart out from behind a rock and skitter along the barren, dusty landscape. Far into the distance, the towering structures of Allemantheia could be seen with the naked eye. The city seemed so close, yet it would still take more than a days' worth of travel to get there.
          Saeylas stood by the tethered mule cart as he observed Lucas standing upon the riverbank. The Castanic leaned heavily upon a make-shift cane Saeylas had fashioned out of driftwood. It was amazing he was even able to remain upright considering he could barely move only a few days ago. Saeylas realized that even with each new achievement of Lucas' body, it still wasn't enough when his memories were not among them. This was primarily the reason Saeylas had agreed to take him to the very place he'd first found Lucas almost one week ago. He'd thought the experience may be too traumatizing for the man considering how close this area had come to being his gravesite. But it soon became clear that Lucas wanted to be here in the hopes that something would trigger his memory.
          Saeylas thought it best to give him as much time as he needed to confront these demons. Clovon was currently away from the farm; the man had been squandering away Saeylas' earnings from that fateful night in the bar. This had hampered Lucas' opportunity to return to Allemantheia. Saeylas had informed Clovon of Lucas' request before he'd left, but the man had ignored him which did not bode well. If Saeylas didn't know that Clovon would make his life a living hell if he took Lucas to Allemantheia himself, then he would have already attempted the trip. For at current, it seemed that Clovon would continue to drag his feet which shouldn't make any sense considering he hadn't wanted Lucas there in the first place. But Saeylas suspected that Clovon somehow planned to use Lucas' presence against him. He knew they could not remain here much longer, for he had his duties to attend to at the farm, but he couldn't bring himself to rush the Castanic, knowing that what Lucas was going through could not be easy.
          Lucas' eyelids fluttered as chaotic images flashed across his mind. He remembered regaining consciousness while underwater. He'd opened his mouth involuntarily and almost immediately had his lungs inundated with water. He remembered the exquisite pain from his recent injuries however dulled due to the fact that he was soon to drown in a watery grave. At that point he should have just given up, his body was broken and his mind not far from it. But he recalled using whatever strength he had left to kick to the surface. When he'd been only inches away, the blackness took over, and the next thing he'd remembered was waking in Saeylas' room.
          Lucas squeezed his eyes shut as he realized these memories were still omitting the major events of how he came to be here. He didn't know why he'd ended up in the river, but only remembered waking when he began to drown. Nor could he recall who had beaten him prior to his jaunt in the river. Was it likely that he had enemies in Allemantheia? Meaning if he returned there in this vulnerable state, would he be signing his own death sentence? It was driving him crazy not knowing what to do. However, he was certain he could not remain here, not when Saeylas' unfortunate situation was made more explosive by his presence. If only he could regain his full strength faster, that way he wouldn't be a sitting duck when he returned to Allemantheia. Without advanced healing at this rate, he'd still have weeks of recuperation ahead of him. And the last thing he wanted was to remain at Clovon's mercy for that long. He'd have to think of something and fast, for he needed to be ready with a plan when next the man returned.
          He sighed inwardly before turning towards Saeylas who had waited for him so patiently. He realized there truly was nothing he could do to repay the boy not only for saving his life, but also for his compassion and understanding during this difficult time for Lucas. He was certain that if it was at all possible, he would rescue Saeylas from this life, he knew he owed the young High Elf that much at least.
          "Thank you for doing this for me." Lucas allowed Saeylas to assist him onto the cart and managed a half smile. The boy gave him a bright one in return.
          "Anytime. Lay back if you like, it should take about half an hour to get home." Saeylas brushed a strand of hair from his face before making certain Lucas was secure on the cart.
          "If you're suggesting I sleep on the way back, I'm afraid the road is far too bumpy for that."

          "Sleep? No, not with the sun so bright overhead. But get comfortable at least," Saeylas' smiled widened.
          "You're too good to me." Lucas believed truer words were never spoken.
          "You may not be saying that when I change the bandages around your ribs later." Saeylas gave him a mock warning look.
          "I think I'll manage." Lucas wondered what he'd have done if he hadn't ran into someone like Saeylas. To say that he was lucky was an understatement. Yet it was ironic that if bad luck had not befallen him, he would not have been given the opportunity to meet Saeylas.
          "Hold tight," Saeylas tossed him one last grin before taking the reigns of the cart and starting the journey back to the farm. He thought Lucas' mood seemed a bit brightened and was glad that he'd agreed to bring him here. For anything that aided in his recovery was also good for the soul. Now, if only he could bring Clovon around then Lucas would have nothing to worry about. But that was as likely as bringing his mother back from the dead.
OOO
          "I was just contacted by Judge Phaeos, Luceus' Tenlis Culpas is officially over." Sarrion had just entered the conference room where most of the investigative crew was gathered. He took a seat next to Brie that was directly across from Lycineus.
          "She does realize he went missing almost immediately at the start of it, right?" Brie wanted to know.
          Sarrion nodded, "Yes, at this time he's not being held in contempt of court. For there is no proof that he attempted to run out on his sentence. But that is for as long as our investigation of the Stanhope's holds up. However, if we continue to come up empty on them and if Luceus is found unharmed, then she could double his sentence for violating the Tenlis Culpas."
          "That's absurd to even consider that he would run out on us." Traviis hadn't been in the best of moods ever since his unpleasant conversation with Laeyla two days ago. He had been to her home since for follow up interviews but hadn't returned alone. It wasn't so much that he was taking her threat to heart, but had more to do with the fact that he was undeniably riled that she could be that cold to him after the night of smoldering passion they'd once indulged themselves in.
          "I agree, because if the Stanhope's get off, then Luceus' disappearance will remain anonymous. He won't even receive an honorable ceremony for missing in action status, he'll just be -- gone." Lycineus' current happiness due to his reunion with Rosalinda was tainted because of this issue with his brother. He felt that if Luceus' was never found, then he'd always regret his last words to him and the fact that they never got a chance to be brothers again.
          Lektus had listened to them in silence with his fingers pressed together. "The problem is I'm not certain what else we can do. The Stanhope's employees are completely loyal to them, and they are the only ones who may have witnessed what happened that day. If by court order they can not be forced to reveal the truth, then our hands our tied." Neither the guards nor the servants had a single negative word to say against the Stanhope's which was the reason Lektus suspected they knew something. Everything about the situation was too perfect, but other than bribing them which would throw all political correctness out the window, there was no other way to convince them to reveal the truth.
          Glancing at his time piece, Lektus came to his feet "If you'll excuse me, I'm to meet with each member of the council today. While it's hardly likely that any of them will sell out one of their own -- I'm hoping to get more of a glimpse into Lord Stanhope's character. We'll reconvene tomorrow morning."
          Brie watched the Prime Minister leave before turning her attention to the others gathered at the table. "So what are we supposed to do?"
          "Everything is covered for today so feel free to get out, do some sightseeing. Allemantheia is a beautiful city." Sarrion's smile quickly faded when he noted Brie looking at him as if he had two heads. "Or not," He promptly added before making his departure.
OOO
          Tristtan was grateful for his survival training as a soldier, as he now brought those skills into play while seeking to remain beneath the radar of those searching for him in the city. He avoided the stately marble walkways above ground, and instead remained upon the banks of the man-made river, roughing it beneath a canopy of giant flowers and shrubs which appeared to be on steroids. These gardens that lined the river gave color within the city, however they could not be seen from outside the city walls. Allemantheia was called the desert jewel, with it's gleaming towers and trickling fountain displays. Although the colorful plants were not native to the city, they thrived within the induced semi-tropical atmosphere.
          Given that he'd left his parents home empty handed, Tristtan had been forced to purchase whatever supplies he needed. Luckily, they had not frozen his accounts and he'd withdrawn as much gold as he could carry. Although he could afford a hotel, he knew that Juleus' men would find him more readily that way. He was not ready to face the enraged Commander, especially not alone. He'd just about exhausted all his options on finding Luceus, therefore it was time he got some help. He knew that several of the soldiers from Herald Fort were within the city, all he'd have to do was track them down to see if they could combine their efforts in locating the missing General. First Tristtan would have to figure out how to get to them. For he could bet his last gold coin that Juleus would have his men watching Luceus' soldiers as well. Regardless of the threat of capture by the enraged High Elven Commander, Tristtan would have to risk it. He knew there was a small chance that this could all be in vain. Yet, he refused to believe for one second that Luceus was dead and full well expected to find him alive. It was the only belief that kept him going, therefore he could not risk thinking otherwise. As he settled down beneath a thick canopy of bushes with his cloak drawn around him, he imagined the day of their reunion and knew that he would agree to be Luceus' consort before the man even uttered a word. Their happy ending was awaiting them, and Tristtan would be damned if he'd let it slip between his fingers.
OOO
          The following morning, when the investigation team reconvened, Traviis decided to be the bearer of bad news. "I hate to be the one to say this but we have to be realistic here. If Luceus were still able to at this point, he would have contacted us." Traviis didn't want to say the words they all feared, but it was like a black cloud hovering in the room that the Castanic General may already be dead.
          "Are you suggesting we give up?" There was a downright frown on Brie's face.
          Traviis shook his head, "Of course not, but we may need to switch tactics, because so far we've got nothing to stick against the Stanhope's. We need to find Luceus ourselves and not wait for the proof of guilt to flush out the ones responsible. This investigation has failed us so far, therefore it's time to be more hands-on."
          "You're suggesting we search all of Allemantheia, that would be neigh impossible to accomplish within a reasonable time frame without the proper resources," Sarrion spoke up.
          "What if we also put out a missing person bulletin, offering perhaps a reward for any information on him?" Rosalinda asked.
          "That would help, Rosie but it'd also pose a few problems," Traviis stated.
          At the confused expression on Rosalinda's face, Brie opted to elaborate in the human archer's stead. "If Luceus is injured or worse, then his enemies would now have the opportunity to do him harm with the knowledge that he's out there alone and possibly unable to defend himself. He may have been about to be put away for quite some time, but it doesn't change the fact that many would still wish to see him dead. So your option is basically a double edged sword, one that I don't think we can risk taking."
          Sarrion nodded, "Which would make a search our better option. We can claim some criminal is on the lose and that this is for the protection of the Allemantheian people. Think that will fly with the council?" Although he realized the magnitude of what they were about to embark on; Traviis was right, and it was time they switched tactics.
          "Whether or not it will, we need to take the chance. Each of us should head a separate search team and be alert, for there's no telling who we can trust." Brie was still aghast at the fact that the Stanhope servants and guards were clearly lying for the couple. If there had been signs of a scuffle at the manor, all traces of it had been erased by time the investigation team was able to go through the structure with a fine teeth comb. But the fact that no one had come forward and that all their stories seemingly meshed, meant that either the employees were threatened into submission or they were simply fiercely loyal to the Stanhope's. Either way, the entire situation did not bode well. Brie was about to comment further when the sounds of a loud argument just outside their window filtered into the room. She noted that Traviis had already moved towards the opening to see what all the commotion was about.
          "Wait a minute -- isn't that Tristtan?"
          Brie soon joined the archer at the window in order to verify his assumption. Although he was dressed in a long, black cloak -- there was no mistaking that it was indeed Tristtan standing in the courtyard below surrounded by a small group of High Elven soldiers. However, it was the man at the head of the group who now took a threatening stance towards Tristtan that soon garnered her attention. "Commander Juleus Truth." A smirk crossed her lips as she knew the two of them had unfinished business. When she saw him shove Tristtan to the ground she realized that there was no time like the present to deal with the bad-tempered Commander.
          Brie turned, and strode several feet back into the meeting room. "Rosie give me a cushion." She knew the healer would know of what she spoke before suddenly breaking into a run she arrowed her body lithely so that it flew neatly through the open window. It wasn't long before she felt the atmosphere surround her in a soothing breeze, then her forward momentum was slowed -- allowing her to land perfectly on her feet despite the fact that she had just leapt from a four story building window. She drew her twin swords noisily before clanking them both against the marble ground. That was enough to garner the group's attention.
          "Commander, fancy finding you here." There was a smirk on Brie's face as she took in Juleus' handsome features.
          "Do not interfere, we have no quarrel with you," Juleus stated thickly. The last time he'd seen the sexy Castanic female she'd had her lustrous orange-red hair up. But today, it flowed to her lower back, quite a contrast to the dark tones of her armor. She was wearing an outer girdle without laces that revealed a thin line of her flat abdomen, one-legged leather pants and black stiletto boots completed her attire. He had to admit he still found her desirable, but it was clear to him that she was here to make trouble.
          "I wish I could say the same, but that's Tristtan Stanhope you're manhandling," Brie replied calmly.
          "He falls under our jurisdiction." Juleus narrowed his eyes at the beautiful Commander.
          "As far as I'm concerned, Tristtan is still a soldier of Herald Fort, so how can you expect me to stay out of this?"
          Tristtan slowly came to his feet, grateful that Brie had come to his rescue. When Juleus soldiers had apprehended him upon his arrival, it was as he'd suspected. But he soon feared that he'd come this far only not to see his plan to fruition. If Brie hadn't come along, then that certainly would have been the case.
          Juleus frowned dourly. "If you must know, we're taking him in for assault."
          "Who did he assault? You?" Brie almost laughed when she saw his frown deepen and realize it must be true. "Well I sort of can't blame him because I feel like doing the same myself." She saw the man stiffen before pulling himself up to his full height, he drew his weapons then strode boldly towards her.
          "Are you threatening me, Commander?" Juleus' frigid eyes shot icicles at her.
          "That depends, would you consider it a threat if I donned a strap-on and fucked you up the butt?" She seemed to ponder that question before following up with a quick reply. "But then again, I probably wouldn't be able to get in there with the stick currently up your ass."
          Juleus reddened slightly at being spoken to in such a humiliating fashion in front of his men. "How dare you?!"
          "You want to blow off some steam? Meet me anytime, anyplace." Brie knew her comment could go anywhere, as in she'd as soon fuck him as fight him.
          Juleus didn't take his hard stare off Brie as he spoke to one of his subordinates. "Captain Tutan, take Tristtan into custody."
          "You're not taking Tristtan anywhere," Brie stated matter-of-factly. "He's been wanted for questioning in our investigation."
          "Your investigation will have to wait," Juleus retorted.
          "No it won't!" Brie glanced at Tristtan who had come to his feet and was gazing at her wide-eyed. If the boy had really gotten a blow in on the High Elven Commander, she'd have to let him tell her all about it later. He seemed fine, despite a slight gauntness of his face which indicated he may have lost weight. She could also sense the relief in his lines coupled with apprehension. As she suspected, this situation was about to become explosive, in more ways than one.
          "Fine," Juleus pressed his lips together as he realized there was only one way out of this. "Fight me, if I win then Tristtan comes with me. If you win, then he goes with you. Deal?"
          "You're on," Brie nodded briskly before spinning her dual long swords.
          "No one is to interfere," Juleus stated for the benefit of his men before he squared off against the stunning Commander.
          "Are you certain you want such a large audience for your ass-kicking?" Brie noticed that other bystanders were now taking notice of them. Such brawls were unusual on the Allemantheian streets, but when the combatants involved were two Federation Commanders, then apparently it was legal, to an extent.
          "My steel was crafted in the finest Amani forges." Juleus pinned her with his piercing gaze. "Be careful, yours may break beneath their weight."
          "The only thing in danger of breaking is your skinny ass." Brie regarded him with a smirk on her face knowing that comment would be enough to set him into action. When he lunged at her with both swords pointing downwards, she flipped sideways to avoid the dangerous sharp ends before edging a backward kick at him that she knew he'd felt in the shin. Soon the clank of steel against steel filled the air as their magnificent dual blades met repeatedly. Brie was used to the steady leather hilt on her 'Kicking and Screaming' blades. She managed to knick him a couple of times on the arm drawing a thin line of blood, but could not land a harder blow. She'd been tempted to head-butt him but knew that she'd be in danger of breaking one of her horns. Plus that would probably put the man in a coma. She wanted him on his ass, but not out cold. When he attempted to trip her by spinning his legs outwards, she quickly back-flipped over him. However, he did not let up and immediately whirled around to face her, their blades meeting once more.
          Traviis soon exited into the courtyard having taken the longer way downstairs instead of taxing Rosie's energies. He noted that both Commanders seemed evenly matched, but his attention soon flickered away from them to gaze at Tristtan still surrounded by Juleus' soldiers. It was at that moment that he noticed one soldier holding a blow dart. He was quite familiar with them as an archer and knew that what was inside the weapon was most likely poisonous.
          "Hey you!" As Traviis was about to move to intercept the man, he saw him raise the blow dart to his lips in preparation to fire at Brie who had her back to him.
          Tristtan quickly picked up on Traviis' direction and immediately shoved his shoulder against the man with the blow dart causing the poison needle to go awry. It was at that point that all hell broke loose. Tristtan grabbed his bow from his back and used it to parry against weapons that were suddenly drawn. Traviis also joined in and the two managed to hold their own against half a dozen soldiers.
          "I should have known you'd be unable to control your men," Juleus snapped at Brie when they soon realized they were not the only ones fighting in the courtyard.
          "Something tells me you should look to your own men." Brie performed a close quarters back-flip which had her stiletto heel making firm contact with Juleus jaw. She heard when the man grunted, and after her dismount, noted he'd fallen on one knee. She had him now. As she moved to administer the winning blow, she suddenly heard Tristtan cry out to her.
          "Brie, look out!" Tristtan realized his warning had not come fast enough and quickly called upon a shadow-step spell his father had taught him as a child in order to get to her in time. He'd noticed when a sorcerer of the Mysterium had summoned a crackling ball of energy and shot it directly at the Castanic Commander. This man had not previously engaged him or Traviis and clearly his plan all along had been to help Juleus win his battle. Tristtan's intent was to shadow-step to Brie's side and push them both out of the path, however it didn't exactly work out that way. Tristtan did managed to shove her aside but had left himself in the direct line of fire. The bolt made solid contact with his body and instantly electrified him from head to toe. He remained standing for several seconds after absorbing the attack, the exposed areas of his skin blackened and sizzling.
          There was a look of horror on Traviis' face as he saw Tristtan's charred body fall to the marble ground. He glanced up at fourth story window. "Rosie, get down here quick!" He knew his sister would move as fast as she could, but he feared it may be already too late. That was one of the most powerful sorcerer attacks, and Tristtan's body now appeared as if he'd been deep fried. Traviis was certain the boy was dead, and if his brain had not survived the electrocution, then there would be no reviving him.
OOO
The moaning and slapping noises would not have been loud enough to wake him, if the walls perhaps were not so thin. Lucas' eyes flew open and quickly adjusted to the darkness within the room he shared with Saeylas. He didn't need to glance beside him to know the boy was not there. He realized it was unlikely the High Elf would have woken in the middle of the night unless he was roused. And judging from the sounds emanating from the next room, he wasn't alone.
          Lucas slowly retrieved his cane before rising to his feet, grateful that he was still wearing his drawstring slacks from earlier that day. Apparently Clovon had begrudgingly lent Lucas a few of his hand-me-downs. Lucas wasn't quite certain what was going on in the next room, but he had to verify that the distressing sounds didn't mean Saeylas was being hurt. Moonlight filtered through the open windows of the living room as he made his way towards what was the master bedroom of the house. He had only been there once before when Saeylas had given him a short tour. He recognized it as Clovon's bedroom and hoped the man was not tormenting his son further. He could hear the moaning much clearer now along with the occasional slapping sounds a he stood outside the door which was open a bare crack. He couldn't help himself; he stuck his head around the corner and glanced inside. What he saw made him absolutely sick to his stomach.
          A naked Saeylas was perched atop a fully clothed Clovon, who's breeches were unbuttoned, although from this vantage point Lucas could not see Clovon's cock being shoved into Saeylas' ass, their current position could suggest nothing less.   It was what could only be described as a 'backward fuck,' for Saeylas was facing away from the man which gave him ample opportunity to slap the High Elf's bare ass. Lucas realized the low moans indicated Saeylas was in distress but not necessarily in pain. He had been aware of what Saeylas had done in order to make money, but what he hadn't expected was that Clovon took advantage of the youth in this manner as well. He was about to enter and put an stop to this lewd act between relatives, when Saeylas' blue eyes locked with his. The boy looked utterly horrified and quickly shook his head at him, indicating that Lucas not do whatever it was he had in mind.
          Saeylas was absolutely mortified to be looking into Lucas' handsome face while his step-father fucked him from behind. He knew he'd never live down the embarrassment or shame of this moment. He'd come to respect and care for Lucas so much that a part of him didn't want him to know the type of person he truly was. He was a young man who submitted to the stronger will of others for fear of the unknown. After Clovon had summoned him to his room that night, he'd gone willingly and played into the older man's sexual fantasies. He never said a word of protest, knowing it would do no good and only saw it as a waste of effort. Yet tonight for the first time, he truly wished he had denied Clovon's advances, if only to spare him the look of pity he now saw in Lucas' golden eyes. Saeylas' breathy moans had finally ceased although he continued to move atop Clovon's stiff cock, knowing that if he stilled his movements, the man would know something was wrong and would soon discover Lucas in the doorway. Saeylas hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath until the pleading look he'd given Lucas finally seemed to do the trick. The man slowly turned to leave, and Saeylas almost breathed a sigh of relief but managed to hold it in. If Clovon had witnessed Lucas' entry, there was no telling how his step-father would have reacted.
          He soon realized that Lucas had left not a moment too soon when Clovon, apparently tired of this position quickly flipped Saeylas onto his back upon the bed. The man was instantly between his spread thighs once again shoving his long cock up Saeylas' slick ass. It wasn't until Saeylas felt the wetness against his cheeks that he realized he was crying. He began to wipe surreptitiously at the tears, praying Clovon wouldn't notice. He failed.
          "Oh, did I hurt you? I don't remember the last time you cried during a fuck," Clovon commented.
          Saeylas struggled for the right words, and realized it was best to stroke the man's ego less he become agitated which would make the rest of the sex act even more miserable for Saeylas. "My body can not withstand the force of your male prowess."
          Clovon chuckled as he slammed jerkily into the boy. "You've got that right." He'd been fucking Saeylas for years, even before Telene died. Once the High Elf hit those teenage years, he'd blossomed into quite a lovely boy and Clovon simply couldn't resist. He'd been even more pleased when it appeared that Saeylas' plump ass would be able to turn a profit for him. The boy had at first screwed up those initial plans but now seemed on board with the idea. It did bother him that Saeylas was only being cooperative for his Lucas, but he was satisfied as long as it got the job done.
          Clovon returned to the matter at hand which was finding his release. He squeezed Saeylas' pink nipples between calloused fingers as his prominent thrusts mussed the boy's unbound hair. He glanced down at his step-son's flaccid penis nestled in a light sprinkling of dark pubic hairs. He'd never seen the boy harden during any of their encounters, which sometimes led him to believe that perhaps Saeylas would prefer women. That was at least until Lucas showed up; some of the looks he'd caught the boy giving the male Castanic suggested Saeylas would willingly jump into bed if Lucas all but crooked a finger at him.
          As his release built within him, he cupped Saeylas' hairless balls and squeezed. Clovon was hoping for a reaction from the boy but got only a muffled moan. On those days when he had Jaemson and Bavis over, their sessions could turn into a real moan fest. At one point they'd made a bet to see who could make Saeylas cry out the loudest. Clovon would have lost that bet tonight. It wasn't that his cock size was unimpressive, but perhaps it was due to the fact that Saeylas' was no longer as tight as he used to be. With all the cocks that had made their way up his lovely ass recently, that was to be expected. A low grunt escaped Clovon's lips as he came within the boy. He then rolled off him before slapping Saeylas on the ass, indicating that he leave.
          Saeylas almost fell off the bed in his haste to leave, he quickly retrieved his long shirt before exiting the bedroom. He knew Lucas wouldn't be asleep yet and couldn't bring himself to face him. Therefore he settled himself on the floor just outside his small room, with the slippery leavings his step-father had left within his body still running down his thighs. The tears were one again on his cheeks as he buried his face in his palms to muffle his quiet sobs. He wasn't certain how he'd ever face Lucas again, as he realized the Castanic male was now the most important person in his life, and he couldn't help feeling that he'd disappointed him in the worst way possible.
          Just beyond the thin walls within the darkened room, Lucas stared blankly up at the ceiling. The fact that he'd left Saeylas in that room with his monster of a father would continue to haunt him. He'd realized that he could have made matters a lot worst, both for himself and Saeylas, which was what had eventually prompted him to retreat from the room along with the pleading look in Saeylas' eyes. After returning to High Elf's room, Lucas knew he'd be unable to sleep. Even long after the moaning ceased, Saeylas did not return to the room. Lucas assumed Clovon had forced him to sleep there and wasn't certain what he'd say to the boy come morning. He once again cursed his slow rate of recovery. He was getting better, but he was still far from one hundred percent. Any fight he engaged in would be absent any certainty of a win.   He should have suspected after he'd seen Clovon's initial treatment of Saeylas that his abuse could also be of a sexual nature. There would never be a better reason to get Saeylas away from Clovon. But first he'd have to convince the older man to assist him to Allemantheia. He was hoping that Clovon would allow Saeylas to accompany them. Even if Saeylas had to find work in Allemantheia and struggle to build a life, it would still be far better than the one he was currently living.
OOO
          "Our son was almost killed today!"
          "Really, Laeyla, you're beginning to sound like a broken record," Reginaldd replied dryly. He sat in his study although it was well past midnight, and did wonder how long it would take Laeyla to come at him. He had been livid with Commander Truth once he'd heard the news of what had occurred earlier that day and couldn't for the life of him imagine why the man had not remained under the radar given his involvement in Luceus' disappearance. Although Juleus had been taken in for questioning, the Commander was an adept liar and had been released shortly after. The Mysterium sorcerer who had attacked Tristtan however, had not been so lucky. The man had been placed under house arrest and would face trial for two counts of attempted murder. One for his initial target of Commander Brie, and the second for the successful attack against his son. Reginaldd realized that Tristtan was now effectively in the hands of the enemy, but knew his son had no more information on them than what was already known. They would continue to be safe from all wrong-doing and Reginaldd knew it was only a matter of time before the investigation was dropped.
          Laeyla sighed as she fought the urge to jump across Reginaldd's desk and wring his skinny neck. She was truly beginning to feel overwhelmed and not for the first time began to question whether or not this whole affair was even worth the distress. With the investigation team finally beginning to search for Luceus on their own, she hoped it would take some of the spotlight off of them. However, she knew their efforts would be mostly in vain as the investigation team had no idea where to look when they did. But, with the scrutiny of the investigation, they could not risk sending any of their people to locate Luceus' body. Firstly it would appear suspicious if they found him and secondly it would reveal that the General had been beaten long before he'd drowned in the river. At least this way, when the body was discovered, they would hold no connection to it at all. However, the fact that the investigation was still ongoing was leading to scuffles like the one earlier that day that had almost gotten Tristtan killed. And Laeyla had had enough.
          "You better call Juleus off because I can't keep having to deal with this nightmare when either him or his people fly off the handle."
          "Pfft, you're behaving like this is all about you." Reginaldd turned the page of the book in his hands as if he had very little time to devote to his wife.
          "Are you just going to sit there pretending that you've won, Luceus may still be alive -- and then what will you do?"
          "It'd still be his word against ours," Reginaldd insisted.
          "Don't you get it? This has gone on long enough and we can't keep hurting our son like this. I know why you're doing this, but it honestly isn't worth it."
          "No you don't know!" Reginaldd came to his feet, his voice booming. "I've had to live with this disgrace for the past twenty-three years. And I hope to the Gods that Winstone really is dead!" He blinked as he almost immediately realized what he'd let slip.
          Laeyla stared at him for several seconds. "Winstone is dead."
          Reginaldd stared at his wife as if she was being ridiculous. "Of course he is, clearly I was referring to Luceus, it was just a slip on words."
          "Was it?" It only occurred to her at this very moment just how troubled Reginaldd truly was. He lumped the sins of the father as the sins of the son and now could not even differentiate between the two. If she didn't put a stop to this, then Reginaldd was headed for destruction and he would take her with him. Laeyla would not allow that happen, she simply couldn't. It was time she put her needs aside and act selflessly. Because if she didn't, Tristtan would continue to pay the price.
OOO
          Dawn had not yet broken when the crowing of the roosters woke Lucas. The first thing he did was look to his left, and as he'd suspected; Saeylas' pallet had not been slept in. He wondered if the boy was still within Clovon's clutches and a part of him just wanted to descend upon that room and wrest Saeylas away from his hateful father. He did rise in order to relieve himself in the nearby chamber pot before grabbing his cane then exiting into the still darkened household. He almost tripped over Saeylas' body when he realized the boy was asleep just outside the door.
          Lucas was confused at first, wondering why Saeylas would deprive himself of his own bed when it seemed apparently Clovon didn't require his presence for the entire night. It took him a minute, but he managed to force his knees into a kneeling position at Saeylas' side. His eyes had already adjusted to the darkness, and what was left of the moonlight allowed him to see that Saeylas didn't appear hurt, at least not from this angle. The boy was once again covered in one of those billowy shirts he sometimes wore that reached below his knees. He didn't appear to have much of a wardrobe and Lucas had to wonder if Clovon ever replenished the few pieces the High Elf did possess.
          He brushed a few loose strands out of the boys' face, it hadn't been Lucas' intention to rouse him but that turned out to be the end result. As Saeylas' eyes fluttered open, Lucas wasn't certain what he'd say to the younger man after witnessing something only a few hours ago that should never have taken place.
          "Lucas," Saeylas swallowed against the dry lump in his throat to find his Castanic patient kneeling beside him. "Was there something you needed help with?"
          Lucas shook his head before replying, "No."
          "It will be dawn soon, I should get ready to begin the day..." Saeylas was preparing to rise when Lucas' next words stilled him.
          "How long has it been going on?"
          Saeylas had been planning to ignore what Lucas had witnessed earlier that night, but apparently the man was not of the same nature. He found that he suddenly couldn't look Lucas in the eye and was grateful for the darkened room that would be hiding at least some of the painful emotions playing across his face. "I..." His lips trembled as he fought to find the right words to describe his personal horror. "It was just before my mother died."
          "She knew?" Lucas hoped to the gods she hadn't known. The one thing Saeylas had going for him was the good memories of his mother, if she'd known her son was being sexually abused by her husband, he couldn't imagine her standing by and doing nothing, not when Saeylas still seemed to think so highly of her.
          "Not at first." Saeylas swallowed before finally raising his gaze to Lucas. The man's handsome face was shrouded in shadow, but he could sense the concern in the Castanic's voice and knew that if the room was better lighted, he'd also see it in his eyes. Lucas was not in a position to help him out of his personal hell, but perhaps by talking to him, he could help lesson some of the horror he went through each day.
          "When she first found out, she begged him to stop. He threatened her, I'm not sure in what way. But one night, she left the house and never came home. Later, Allemantheian officials came our house informing us of her death. It was believed she'd been set upon by a group of Argons. There wasn't much left for a proper burial." His words caught in his throat at the painful memories took over. "It never made any sense for them to be this far south, but it became the accepted belief that she had foolishly travelled to unknown areas alone in the dark, and had suffered the ultimate consequence."
          "I can hear in your voice that you don't really believe that. Which begs the very important question, why do you stay here with him?"
          Saeylas choked back a sob as he realized Lucas was forcing him to confront this issue that had plagued him for most of his life. "He's the only family I have left and --" He pressed his lips into a thin line before revealing the truth of the matter. "And I'm a coward. I fear not being able to make it on my own, and winding up in a worse situation than I'm in now. Father would never forgive me if I ran from him, and if I was forced to return, my life would be worse than before."
          "I honestly think you should take your chances in Allemantheia, I will speak with your father today and insist that I take you as my guide."
          Saeylas felt a damp tear soak his right cheek before replying. "He'll never agree to it."
          "Why, he didn't want me here in the first place?"
          "You don't know him -- he can be unpredictable..." The tears now began to spill down Saeylas' cheeks in rivulets as he felt utterly humiliated that he was weeping before this man he'd come to respect and care for so much. "Now you know, that I truly am a coward." He was crying in earnest, unable to stop himself, when he suddenly felt Lucas' lips pressed against his. The man's mouth was warm yet moist, and the kiss was so gentle that Saeylas felt as if he'd burst from the tenderness. It was something he was most unused to, especially since his mother died. His tears ceased moments later as he leaned into the man in the hopes of deepening the kiss. It was at that moment when Lucas broke the kiss, but soon Saeylas felt the man's warm arms around him, holding him in a tight embrace.   He then decided that everything would be alright, so long as Lucas remained in his corner.
          Lucas' glanced down at Saeylas' head resting against his bare chest. He'd heard the pain in the boys' voice especially as he recounted what he believed happened to his mother. He never would have suspected that the person who had saved his life would need rescuing as well. He hadn't meant to kiss him but could think of no other way in which to calm him. He'd felt Saeylas' response to him and knew that he could have taken it further. However, even if his body was ready to engage in those type of activities he knew that to do so would be taking advantage of Saeylas' vulnerable state. The boy needed an ally in his corner, not another predator. When Lucas sensed his even breathing, he knew Saeylas had fallen asleep in his arms. If the High Elf had spent the night out here on the cold floor, it was unlikely he'd slept well. Lucas knew this respite would be short-lived as morning approached, but he would grant the boy this boon for as long as he could. If only he had his memories, then he could be so much more sure-footed when it came to his future with Saeylas.
OOO
          Tristtan's eyes fluttered open slowly to gaze upon a handsome Castanic male with deeply tanned skin and beautiful golden eyes. "Luceus!" He quickly bolted upright before his arms flew around the man's neck jerking him towards him, he then planted a wet kiss on his lips. This was something he'd dreamt of doing for so long. His reunion with his lover was long overdue. However, it wasn't until he felt the man in his embrace tense that he realized something was wrong. Tristtan immediately pulled away and blinked several times. Once his vision really came into focus, he realized he'd just kissed a stranger. Bright color poured into his cheeks. "I'm so sorry, I thought you were someone else."
          "Yes, my brother, apparently." There was a slight grin on the man's face.
          Realization soon dawned on Tristtan. "You're Commander Lycineus Magelus."
          "Yes, you've heard of me?"
          "How could I not? I know it was through your efforts that I was rescued from Ulrikk and his men." Tristtan lowered his gaze as the reality of the situation settled in. "I'd been meaning to send a message of thanks but -- my situation has been difficult of late."
          "Yes, I get that too, considering the fact that you'd been killed not once but twice by people in our own Federation." Lycineus had witnessed the boy's charred body before Rosa had resurrected him, it hadn't been pretty.
            "I take it Rosalinda saved me yet again." There was the gleam of unshed tears within Tristtan's eyes but he couldn't help it. Someone who died this often and not even at the hands of the enemy had no business in the army. "I must thank her."
          "Later, you need to rest." Lycineus knew that healing after resurrection did not fully recuperate one's strength, that had to be done the old fashioned way.
          "I must know what is being done to find Luceus, and figure out a way that I can help. I need to be useful." There was a pleading look in Tristtan's eyes as he prayed Lycineus would not shun his help.
          "You just concentrate on getting your health back, then we'll see where you can be of assistance." Lycineus knew they'd have to question him about his parents, but didn't want to get into such a heavy conversation with the boy so soon after his recent ordeal.
          Tristtan felt the lethargy all through his bones and wasn't certain how long he'd been asleep, but for him to still be this tired meant they might have pumped him full of sleep aids. He didn't blame them, knowing that he wouldn't rest otherwise. He could only look forward to when next he woke, when he'd be ready to jump into the search for his missing lover.
          Lycineus remained in the room until he noted Tristtan's even breathing and knew the boy slept. It wasn't difficult to realize what Luceus had seen in him. The archer was lovely, but aside from outer beauty he seemed to shine from within as well. His desire to protect Brie from that devastating energy attack had literally cost him his life. Although many would say that Tristtan was not cut out to be a soldier, Lycineus would beg to differ. He wouldn't mind someone like this young High Elf watching his back on the battlefield.
          He left the room with a sigh, realizing that no matter what the outcome of this investigation, Tristtan would not win. For even if the Stanhope's got off as it appeared they would, they would have lost their son forever. And if they were found guilty and Luceus was dead, then they'd go to prison, leaving Tristtan alone, sans his lover and his parents. Lycineus was so distracted by his thoughts that he didn't notice a woman standing outside the conference room at first. But eventually when his gaze fell to her, he realized he should have known that after what happened to Tristtan, she'd show up.
          "Lady Stanhope." Lycineus stared at the woman who no doubt had seen better days. The circles under her eyes were more pronounced which indicated that she wasn't sleeping well. Good, she should lose sleep after all she and her husband had done not only to Luceus, but Tristtan as well. "If you're here to see Tristtan, he's asleep. Although I can't imagine your lawyers would have advised you to come here regardless."
          "Tristtan is not my main reason for coming here, and my legal team does not know about this visit. I need to speak to you and your investigation team. It's important and I promise I won't waste your time."
          "Unless you're here to confess, then I hate to say it Lady, but you will be wasting our time," Lycineus retorted.
          "I believe I will prove you wrong in that." Laeyla indeed hadn't slept a wink after her conversation with Reginaldd. She realized that what she was about to do was long overdue and it could also mean the end of her political career.
          Lycineus could somehow sense that she was quite serious about this visit, which led him to open the door and escort her into the conference room. The surprised stares he got from the men and women present were not unexpected.
          Traviis stood stock still at his position in front of a large bay window, as Laeyla entered the room with Lycineus. He couldn't for the life of him imagine what would prompt her to come here, other than to see if Tristtan was alright. But why was she even here, in their meeting room?
          "Lady Stanhope," Lektus stood to greet the High Elven female and offered her a chair which she politely refused.
          "Are you here to brainwash us into dropping the case because that won't work." Brie stood with her arms crossed over her chest as she narrowed her eyes at the older female.
          Laeyla stared calmly back at the Castanic warrior before replying, "I'm a bit rusty in that department so, no. That's not the reason I'm here."
          "So you do have a heart after all, and you care what happens to Tristtan," Traviis surmised.
          "How could you question that I don't care for my own son?" Laeyla was incredulous.
          "Oh I don't know, maybe the fact that you and your husband kept Tristtan and Luceus apart for so long, and that you clearly had something to do with his disappearance." Traviis shrugged. "Maybe you haven't realized how miserable Tristtan has been as a result."
          Laeyla took a deep breath before speaking once more. "Believe it or not, I'm here to remedy that."
          "I don't think Tris will want to have anything to do with you unless you tell him what he wants to hear," Traviis stated.
          Laeyla looked at him for a long moment before finally nodding, "Okay."
          "Okay?" Brie echoed, unsure if she'd heard the woman right.
          "Tell us," Lektus knew he didn't need to elaborate further as he gazed at the woman with his trademark silver stare. He could sense she was here to spill her guts and saw no need to delay that.
          Laeyla's conversation with Reginaldd the previous night reverberated in her head like an incessant echo. "My husband and I have not been completely truthful with you, and there are issues from the past that have now come back to haunt us."
          Lycineus got where she was going, and realized that their assumptions of past affairs may have been right on the money. "You had an affair with my father, didn't you?"
          Laeyla stared at Luceus' brother long and hard and realized the Magelus men were not as clueless as she once believed. She decided to finally air a truth that she never thought would ever see the light of day. It was something that only her and Reginaldd were aware of. "You're half right; but the person Winstone Magelus had an affair with -- was my husband."
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In the Land of Arborea