A Fractured Paradise

Chapter Four (Part One)

Caeli followed the sweet notes of a flute echoing from the main hall. She entered, greeted by a room filled with joy. The king and queen danced with their daughter. The prince and Larissa appeared to be in their own world; their gazes only on each other.

Looks like Rissa got Max out of his mood. He’d move the heavens for her, does she finally acknowledge that? Have I officially lost her to him? 

Guards surrounded stayed close to the king. Liber approached Caeli, he and Marcellus’s children, Merco, Aias, Fileen, Lilliana and Lucas scattered about, enjoying the treats and music. The hall was filled with laughter and an intoxicating energy of joy.

“For a moment I had believed you were patrolling with my husband.” Liber chuckled. 

“No, I had to wrap the prince’s gift.” Caeli smiled. “I think Prince Maximus probably requested that I be able to attend.”

“Probably.” Liber looked to the Prince and Larissa. “Quite a pair, are they not?”

“Like a picture coming together.” Caeli nodded.

“It’s about time.” Darius snuck from behind Caeli. 

“Sir Darius, it is wonderful to see you.” Liber pulled Darius into a hug. 

“You as well.” Darius smiled. 

“We are having a dinner party tomorrow. You must come.” Liber beamed with joy. “Caeli you as well.”

“Of course.” Darius nodded. “I have missed your roast chicken.”

Caeli’s mouth watered at the prospect of tasting Liber’s tender chicken once more. “Marcellus had already invited me. I am more than happy to come.” She nodded.

“I will ask the prince and Larissa as well.” Liber began toward them. “You two enjoy your night.”

“Glad to see things haven’t changed entirely.” Darius sipped his chalice. “Though, there are more guards than usual. I wonder if anyone else has noticed.” 

Caeli scanned the room, noticing the citizens enjoying the warm night. “They haven’t.” 

“Then perhaps we should do the same.” Darius set his cup upon a nearby table and offered his hand to Caeli. “Let’s go have fun with our friends. We’re finally all the same age again.”

Caeli nodded. She found herself relaxing, eating cake, drinking wine and dancing with her friends. After about an hour, Caeli while Darius went for refreshments. She watched Larissa and Prince Maximus chat while stepping to the beat of the music. How perfect they appear together. A wonderful queen she’ll make someday. Even if she won’t admit it now.

Something’s wrong.

Larissa’s voice pushed into Caeli’s head. Larissa now stood still, scanning the room. I’m not able to tell but someone is...they’re feeling very negative emotions but I don’t know for whom or from where. 

Prince Maximus pulled Larissa to her as she grabbed her head. The wind began to increase its speed.

Caeli immediately jumped to her feet and scanned the room.

“What’s the matter?” Darius offered a drink to Caeli. 

“Rissa feels some really negative emotions.” Caeli searched every face, examining their thoughts, but they only pondered Larissa’s state. 

“Caeli, listen to me. I know you don’t think you’re a strong telepath but you can increase it.” Darius rushed. “Close your eyes, take deep calm breaths and clear your mind. Let go of your own thoughts, of the physical. Focus on listening to everyone. Focus on hearing us all. Then focus on any voice you think may be causing this. You can do this.”

Trusting Darius, as he had yet to be incorrect; Caeli did as he said. She took deep breaths, feeling everything melt away. 

The music slowly faded away, then soon talking, breathing, her own heartbeat. Silence. Utter silence in darkness. And then an explosion of voices. 

What is wrong with Ms. Larissa.

That poor girl.

Her father would have episodes similar to that when he was her age. 

Thirty seconds. Will there be enough of a clearing? Am I to have enough time to string another, should I hit the girl? The thoughts of a male crept into her mind, though the location was unknown. The king shall be easy.

“The family’s in trouble!”. Caeli began sprinting toward Prince Maximus. Protect the king! Assassin! 

A pounding began in her head, the price of forcing her thoughts into people unlike her. Max, Rissa, get down! She watched as her comrades had listened and, without hesitation, surrounded the king, queen and princess. 

But none was near the prince, though attention was drawn as he had crouched on the floor with Larissa. I won’t get to him on time. Caeli had spotted the blur of an arrow soaring toward the prince, as though it were flying in slow motion. I need to be there! I need to be in front of them! If I try to push it anywhere it could injure a citizen. I must protect them.

Caeli’s body began to numb, as though it had fallen asleep. She became dizzy but continued to run. I have to block that arrow! A jolt flowed through her, forcing her to her knees.

Caeli’s upper right torso burned with a piercing pain. Her eyes searched for the cause of the pain, realizing an arrow had struck slightly below her right shoulder. How did…

She looked around, noting that the prince and Larissa were somehow behind her; she had traveled ten feet in the fraction of a second. 

“Secure the perimeter!” She hopped to her feet and stretched her arms out, ignoring the pain. She glanced toward the king. He held the queen in his arms, who held the princess. The soldiers had been swift and none of the family had been injured. Three arrows lie on the floor in front of a shield.

“Cae.” Maximus reached out to touch her. 

“Stay down.” Caeli ordered. “Do not move, not until the castle has been deemed safe.”

“You’re injured.” Maximus continued. 

“I’m fine.” Caeli scanned the frightened crowd. “Please, stay behind me. You may still be in danger.”

“Stop moving.” Darius seemed to be the only citizen not in shock. “You’ll do more damage that way. Put your arm down.” He wrapped her arm to her side. “Just until we can get it examined and removed. Can you breathe okay?”

I’m fine, Darius. Not in front of the citizens. 

“The festivities are over!” King Vitus shouted. “All guests are required to exit through the front gate and shall be searched. Should any of you refuse or argue, we will assume you are part of this attack and shall be detained.” His voice trembled with rage. “Move!”

The frightened citizens were escorted to the great hall. Only Caeli, Darius, Larissa, the royal family and the four soldiers who’d protected the family remained. 

“Caeli, how did you do that?” Prince Maximus gaped.

“Who cares about that, she has an arrow in her!” Larissa shouted. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Caeli shook her head. “We must find who did this.” But how did I do that?

“We are in your debt, Caeli.” Queen Cassiana squeezed the princess. 

“Tis my duty.” Caeli began walking toward the front gate.

“Guards, please escort my daughter to her room.” King Vitus ordered two of the soldiers. “Keep her safe.”

“King Vitus!” A soldier ran to Marcellus. “We may have found one of the assassins.”

The group followed the soldier to a side room, where the queen stored much of her art. The soldiers had the suspect bound and on his knees. He posed as a commoner with somewhat worn shoes and dirty hair. Yet everyone knew who he was. He’d been living in Adyta for two years, arriving shortly after the plague and settling as a merchant.

“Kato.” King Vitus shook his head.

“Sir,” A young soldier handed the king a satchel. “He was attempting to discard this when a group of citizens noticed and called it to our attention.”

King Vitus retrieved three arrows and a broken bow from the bag.

“I want the citizens who reported him to be rewarded.” King Vitus stated.

“Yes sir.” The soldier glared at the man. “Who are you, really?”

“A simple merchant.” Kato answered. Stupid girl got in the way of my bow.

Caeli’s temper boiled as she forced the man into the air; his feet an inch off the ground. “He was aiming for the prince. Who are you? Who sent you?”

“I assure you, I know not what you speak of.” The man seemed terrified.

Caeli sent the man to his knees. She approached him until their noses were close enough to touch. “You forget, Kato.” She smirked. “You can’t hide anything from a telepath.”

Queen Cassiana placed her fingers upon his temples. She slowed her breathing and closed her eyes. “They were from Behi,” she stepped back. “There were four instructed to kill our family and all with abilities.”

“My comrades will return with reinforcements.” The man chuckled. “You all shall be slaughtered.”

“I suppose we will have to send a message.” King Vitus smirked, eyeing the man. “Behead him and send a horse with it. His comrades should discover him.”

“No.” Queen Cassiana shook her head. “Allow me.” She knelt in front of the man, locking her eyes with his. “You are going to do as I instruct.” Her voice became void of any emotions. The man’s eyes began to haze. “You shall leave Adyta with one of your arrows and you will return straight to Behi. Once you have returned, go straight to your king. Tell him that the people of Adyta are not afraid of him. Tell him that we are stronger and more powerful than he could ever imagine. Then you are to take your arrow and plunge it into his heart.”

“My love.” King Vitus gasped. 

Queen Cassiana released the assassin. He retrieved a single arrow and proceeded to exit the room . 

“No one comes after my people, Vitus.” Queen Cassiana had a look Caeli had never seen glowing in her eyes. “Adyta is our home. Anyone who dares come to my land and threatens my home, shall face a fate such as his. Someone ensure he exits our city safely.”

Could we all do that someday? What was that look? 

A soldier followed the assassin.

Caeli’s vision blurred as she stumbled. Larissa steadied her. 

“Are you okay?” Her voice was shaking. 

“Teleportation is quite a strain on the body.” Darius answered. “She must rest.”

“Teleportation?” Larissa was confused.

Teleportation?

“Mother how were you able to compel that assassin?” Prince Maximus asked

Caeli pulled away from Larissa, giving her hand a reassuring pat. “I wanna know too.”

“Mind manipulation. I simply blocked his ability to control his own thoughts, then I implanted my desires into his mind.” Queen Cassiana answered. “However, it would serve you well to never inform your parents of this power, Caeli. On our home dimension it was forbidden to use.”

“What mother and father remain ignorant of will not affect them.” Caeli attempted wobbled steps toward the hallway.

“Cae, let us help you.” Darius supported her. “You’ve done a lot and you’re injured. Let’s get you to the hospital.”

“No, I must be strong for our people.” Caeli shook her head. “We may be entering a war for the protection of our people. If they were to see me weakened their fear would only grow.”

“She is right.” Queen Cassiana pulled Darius from Caeli. “We mustn’t allow anyone to see us weakened. There could be more assassins.”

Caeli felt her body lighten as though someone was supporting her weight.

If you refuse to allow yourself to be seen obtaining support, then I shall lift you with my mind.

Is this a trick your mother taught you?

She just told me how. I didn’t know if it would actually work. 

It is. Caeli sighed, accepting his support for her people. Thanks Max.

Cae...how were you able to get in front of Rissa and I? You have tremendous speed but you are not that quick.

With all honesty, I don’t know. I was fully aware that I would not be capable of protecting you two. I told myself that I had to be in front of you then it felt as though my body was struck by lightning and I fell. Upon looking back, I realized I had fallen before you. 

Intriguing. Perhaps a new ability manifested?

That may very well be the case.

Should we inform your parents?

I am sure they have already been informed by the frightened citizens. Caeli couldn’t help but notice ever eye on her and every whisper that passed beneath cupped ears. All of Adyta would be aware of the events in the great hall by morning and Caeli was nervous. We must take caution with every action we perform now, my prince. The Behi king may have sent others aside from the four assassins. 

Let us first be concerned with your healing. 

They arrived at the hospital. The people believed that healing in the same location they worshipped the goddess, provided them a greater favor per the blessings of the goddess. 

Caeli was immediately escorted into a side room. 

“Drink.” Darius handed Caeli a cup with clear liquid within it. “It will help with the pain.” He retrieved supplies and began work on her. He held a sort-of vial with a needle on the end in his hand. “Please, try not to move during this.”

“What is that?” Larissa asked.

“It’s a syringe. I’m going to have to cut her so I’m injecting her with something to numb it.”

“Injecting her?” Prince Maximus asked.

“I’ll explain later.” Darius sighed. “Let me do this.”

Caeli’s body began to numb. Darius took a strange-looking blade and carefully sliced around the arrow. Her brain was fogged by the time the arrow was removed. The wound was thoroughly cleaned, stitched and wrapped.

“You’re lucky it wasn’t any lower. Be sure to until it has healed, at the very least.” Darius sighed. “Now, lie back and rest. Marcellus us on guard here. He’ll keep everyone safe.”

Caeli slowly nodded. Her body warm and tingling, she finished her drink. 

“Where is she?!” Caeli pushed herself up at the sound of her mother’s angry shouting.

“She needs rest!” Prince Maximus followed her mother into the room. She has been injured. Leave her be!”

“Pardon me, no one is allowed in a patient’s room without permission.” Darius was snarky. “Please leave until you are calm. Your daughter is well, however, she must rest now.” 

Caeli’s mother ignored Darius and walked past him. There was only the blur of a backhand before she was partially off the bed. “Foolish girl, do you wish to die?!” She screamed. “You are the only remaining pure Paskoin within this kingdom! It is your sacred duty to ensure its survival!” 

Caeli pulled herself securely onto the bed. “I am Adytan!” She allowed her anger to release, subconsciously sending her mother backward. “My duty is to the king and his family.” The last of her energy spent, she fell backwards onto the bed. “Gladly would I give my life for this kingdom.”

*

Before anyone could stop her, Larissa launched Caeli’s parents across the room. “Don’t you ever f*****g touch her again!” A wind began rushing around her. “She’s a hero! I won’t stand for your disrespect toward her anymore!” The wind slammed into Caeli’s parents. 

“Larissa stop!” Darius shouted, shielding Caeli’s body with his own. “You’re going to hurt all of us! Calm down!”

Caeli’s parents huddled together, eyes wide with fear. Am I doing this?

“Rissa.” Prince Maximus slid his hand into hers. ““Everything’s okay.” 

Larissa allowed him to pull her into his chest. She breathed him in, somehow he was calm; calm enough for her to take it as her own. 

The wind slowed then stopped. Larissa’s legs buckled, though the prince kept her close. 

“Get out.” Darius growled at Caeli’s parents. “Or I will have you removed.”

They rushed from the room. Larissa turned to Darius. “Was that me?” 

She felt exhausted and terrified. Her mind was still foggy and everything was happening too quickly. Someone just tried to kill our leaders. Caeli teleported, whatever that is, and got hurt. I just wanted her parents to leave. How could they hit her like that? But was that wind me? How? 

Darius glanced toward the doorway, a king’s guard a little too interested in their situation. “I’m not sure.” Darius rubbed his temples. “I don’t know much about Paskoi anatomy. And I have a headache. It’s quite difficult for me to properly think of that subject.”

Did you understand?

You can’t say aloud.

I can’t say at all, per order of the king. Even this could strip me of my title or worse.

King Vitus would never do that.

It is not him in charge of this. 

So you can’t tell me anything? 

All I can say is Paskoins were capable of more than even most of them fully comprehended.

“What of the teleportation?” Prince Maximus asked. “What is that? How did Caeli do it?”

“I’m not sure how she did it, but it’s essentially just moving your body from one space to another. I’m not sure how you guys are capable of it.”

“We could too?” Larissa asked.

“With practice, probably.” Darius nodded. “But it must drain your energy. Caeli shouldn’t be this out, I didn’t give her anything that strong.”

“Will she be okay?” Larissa left the prince’s embrace to sit in the chair beside Caeli’s bed. 

“She just needs rest.” Darius answered. “My prince, what do you think your father’s next steps will be?”

Prince Maximus shook his head. “I imagine he’ll allow mother’s plan to proceed. If it succeeds, we might avoid a war, or cause one. If it fails, he’ll definitely call for war. There’s no peaceful solution now.”

“We’ll lose Caeli again.” Larissa whispered, squeezing Caeli’s hand. You can’t go away so soon. It’s not fair. I know this is the life we were preparing for, but we were supposed to do it together. I hate when we’re all apart. 

“Prince Maximus, your father requests you home.” Marcellus entered the room, his worried eyes not leaving Caeli’s face. 

“She’s fine, General.” Darius also noticed his concern. “You’ve made Caeli strong. She didn’t even shout when she was pierced. You should be proud.”

“There has never been a day that I wasn’t proud of any of my students.” Marcellus smiled at the group. “You four have all grown into incredible young adults.”

“Thanks Marcellus.” Larissa smiled. “Hey, can you send someone to check on the kids?”

“Of course, little one.” Marcellus gestured to the soldier behind him, who immediately went to complete Larissa’s request. “Should nothing change, will you all be attending dinner?” 

He wants things to remain as it is too.

“Of course.” The three answered.

“I am glad.” Marcellus stepped toward the prince. “Come, your father will be angry if you are not returned soon.”

Prince Maximus left reluctantly. Larissa sat back in the chair, a yawn passing through her lips. 

“Hell of a night.” Darius sighed, leaning against the wall. “Ya know, when I heard Caeli was returning I was happy. Honestly, I’d hoped we could be how we used to be. Instead, I’m patching you guys up every other day.”

Glad to see his sarcasm hasn’t changed. Ever since the plague he’s had such a twisted sense of humor. It’s actually refreshing.

Larissa chuckled. “Maybe you should just have a room reserved for us.”

“Or you guys could be more careful.” Darius shook his head. “Gods, what’s becoming of our home?”

“We’ll be fine, right?” Larissa’s eyes grew heavy. “Queen Cassiana did the right thing, didn’t she?” 

“That’s beyond my power to decide.” Darius retrieved an extra blanket and draped it over Larissa. “You’re safe here.”

“But for how much longer?” Larissa gave into sleep.

*

“Faster!” Caeli commanded, blocking Prince Maximus’s blow to the left.

“Cae, your wound has only been healed for a few days, do not push it.” The prince delivered a mild swing, Caeli easily deflected.

Darius had given her the same medicines he’d given Larissa. She couldn’t feel the ache in her torso. After the events of that night, she had to prepare. If we are forced into another war I must be ready. 

“Little one, enough.” Marcellus entered. “I must speak with you.”

Caeli ceased her pursuit of the prince. He reluctantly left with his guards.

Sheaving her sword, she followed Marcellus onto the terrace. He gazed upon the city, his body tense.

I wonder what’s troubling him.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, his gaze not leaving the city. 

“There’s no pain and Sir Darius said it wasn’t too bad.” Caeli answered. “Why are you tense, general?”

 “Oh, little one, we have been home only a short time.” Marcellus sighed. “I have missed it, and my family, so.”

Caeli closed her eyes. We are to leave again. “When shall we go? What number of men are we taking?”

“There have been no such orders.” Marcellus shook his head. “Though, I do fear that we will. The king has ordered regular drills for all military personnel. Prince Maximus is to train with us.”

“He’s going to war?” Caeli gasped.

“No, but his father insisted, should we go. He wishes for the prince to be prepared, should Adyta be attacked while we are away. Little one, I was informed that you produced a new ability.”

“Sir Darius called it teleportation.” Caeli nodded. 

“Do you think you could show me?” Marcellus asked. “Can you repeat the process?”

“I don’t know.” Caeli wrapped her arms around her. “I don’t know how I did it. I just knew I had to protect Prince Maximus and Larissa. And it really tires me out.”

“What have we discussed, little one?” Marcellus elbowed her. 

“I cannot increase my limits until I push myself past them.” Caeli recited his quote. 

“Recall the events leading up to when you teleported. What you were thinking. How it felt.” Marcellus whispered. “You are very strong, little one. You have done remarkable things. I know you are capable of controlling this too.”

Caeli focused on a tree below them. She recalled the intent she held when wanting to get to her friends. The urgency, the need to be there. She wanted her body to move. She felt an energy building within her body. There. Her body felt a slight jolt and she glanced up, Marcellus above her, mouth gaped open. On his right. She appeared beside him. 

“Extraordinary.” Marcellus was genuinely excited. “Continue practicing and remember, there will not be open spaces nor very much time to think during battle.”

“I am aware.” Caeli stated. I did it again. I have to tell the others. “Have you told Liber and the children we might be leaving again?”

“Liber was present, remember? He saw the night's events.” Marcellus sighed. “They’re terrified of me leaving. Will you tell your parents?”

“To be slapped and lectured more?” Caeli scoffed. “No, friend, they shall discover the news after we’ve gone.”

“Very well.” Marcellus turned to face the training hall. “Now to inform the prince of his father’s requests.”

“He will not be too happy with us if we have to leave once more.” Caeli leaned back on the balcony. “However, he will calm after, like last time.”

“I am not so sure he will.” Marcellus stared into Caeli’s eyes with a look so frightening she actually felt chills. “This would be unlike the battle we previously fought, Caeli. Our great king will lead and fight alongside us.”

Caeli’s stomach twisted and a full chill traveled down her spine. It is one thing to fight for and protect my comrades, but to have the same responsibility with the king… “Is that wise? Has his strength fully returned?”

“The king is a great fighter and an excellent strategist. We fought side by side on many occasions.” Marcellus answered. “What of this decision frightens you, little one? Are you not one of the greatest warriors Adyta has ever been blessed with? Are you not strong and capable of amazing abilities?”

“I am.” Caeli answered nervously. I couldn’t let any harm befall the king. Please let Queen Cassiana’s plan work.

“Then you have nothing to fear, for you do not fight alone.” Marcellus smiled. “Come, let us inform the prince of these new developments.”

*

Larissa, Caeli and Tia rested against the wall of the spring. Caeli released a relaxed sigh. “I definitely needed this.”

“Yeah.” Tia closed her eyes. “Training is rough.” 

“Of course it is.” Caeli chuckled. “But why do you think we train so hard?” 

“To crush our enemies.” Tia answered. 

“To protect our brethren.” Caeli corrected. “How has your training with the queen gone?”

“Good. She’s teaching us a lot.” Tia beamed. “I’ve been practicing teleportation too.” 

Larissa rested her head against the smooth wall. She sunk deeper into the steaming water.

Even I’m having difficulty with all of the practice. How did I ever let Max talk me into training again? I barely had any free time beforehand and I’m definitely not going to war. I couldn’t leave my kids.

“You okay, Rissa?” Caeli asked.

“Just enjoying the water.” Larissa answered. 

“Has there been any news yet?” Tia floated for a bit. 

“None.” Caeli shook her head. “Well Rissa, we best be heading out. Prince Maximus expects us soon.”

The two dried and dressed. Larissa combed Caeli’s hair as they walked. “Your wound is healing beautifully.” 

“As is yours.” Caeli almost seemed to be skipping. “I will miss that chocolate.”

“By the gods, yes.” Larissa released a squeal. 

The two enjoyed the forest around them. The dry path dusted Larissa’s feet. The planet’s energy flowed into her.