Chapter Two

The Mysterious Hate

"Now rest, nephew. Tomorrow we should be in New Galeigh." Liarai whispered, gently pulling a blanket over Lukku's cold body. The boy -- no, the young man -- looked up at her softly.

"I wish I wouldn't have to face them again." He said.

"I still don't understand why you want to go back. There's so much you haven't seen yet of other countries and yet you've already given up. Why?"

"I-I'm not sure I know myself... but it hurts. So much, ever so much Aunt. You don't know what it's like." Lukku turned his gaze to the fire. Liarai was silent for a moment.

"Rest, nephew. Tomorrow things may be brighter, and the path easier to see." Lukku nodded tersely and closed his eyes. Soon, the young Prince was asleep.

"So what do we do now? We can't cross the Harmonian-Ankya'myyrhin border without permission of the High Priests," Flik stated simply. They were standing near the docks of New Galeigh, the Harmonian sea-port closest to the Scarlet Moon Empire.

"I've talked to Liarai, the captain. She's already arranged passage for us. We are to be disguised as Prince Lukku's entourage." Leknaat explained.

"What about his *real* entourage?" Viktor asked.

"There is no *real* entourage. So far, the Prince is only being escorted by the centaurs. Liarai is afraid for his safety, however, and asks us only to protect him." They turned their heads as Prince Lukku, the young boy whom had served them tea only a night before, descended the plank, a silvery silk cloak about his shoulders. Once the boy stepped on land, a woman raced forward and hugged him.

"Lukku, you worried me so! Darling please don't runaway any more. I thought you were hurt or dead!" the woman cried. She looked much like Captain Liarai, except this woman was dressed in the garb of a High Priestess. Her long blond hair was twisted in an intricate style and pinned with pearls and other precious gems and her blue eyes shone with tears. Behind Lukku, Liarai was glaring at one of the High Priests, or perhaps both, Sasarai and Taitsu. Behind Lukku's mother stood an uncertain Sasarai II, the boy they had met on the battlefield back during the Unification Wars.

"I'm sorry mother, I behaved childishly. It won't ever happen again, I promise. Please don't cry."

"Oh, Lukku... Liarai, thank you for bringing him back safely. You are to be commended for that," The mother said, standing up and looking at her twin.

"It was nothing. Lukku is a pleasure, I would do anything for him. Anything, Linanike." Liarai replied tartly, glowering. The captain's hand rested on her sword, as if about to draw it at any moment and charge at Taitsu and Linanike. Pesmerga vaguely wondered why the woman hated them so, but put it out of his mind. He could afford no distractions while in the midst of the enemy.

"Darling, why don't you join us for dinner? We've so much to talk about!" Linanike asked, turning her attentions back on her son. Lukku seemed slightly uneasy.

"Actually, I was hoping that we could leave today, my entourage and myself, of course." Linanike looked startled.

"But you --"

"Let them leave tonight if they wish. Servant, inform the centaurs at once. They are to pack all provisions and be at the ready to leave. As for your... entourage... they can be sure the centaurs are doing their duties." Taitsu, a dark, burly man with wild green eyes that reminded Pesmerga of a rabid beast, hissed softly. Lukku shivered, as did half of the 'entourage'.

"But darling, you've just returned. You and your brother have so much to catch up on."

"Mother, please. I just wish to go to my people and serve them the justice that has been missing for the past few years." With this said, Lukku stormed past Linanike, Sasarai II, Taitsu and Sasarai.

"That boy needs taught a lesson, insubordinate bastard." Taitsu muttered. Liarai drew her sword and pointed it at him.

"If you so much as touch one hair on his head, you'll be the one who needs taught a lesson." She growled. Fire danced in her eyes, blazing hatred carrying her threat from mouth to his ears. Taitsu backed down. Pesmerga left, towards the stables behind the castle, where the centaurs would be, no doubt.