"Demon!.Freak!.Devil!"

The words pounded the tall silent man harder than the rotten vegetables and stones. Looking once more over the crowd of people that he had once called kinsmen, James Ellison, once head guard to the village of Pec, straightened his shoulders and rode out of the town, trying to block out the harsh words that followed in his wake.

The lone man rode for days and days, finally selling his war-horse to the highest bidder, as he needed money for food. As days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, the weary man traveled, moving farther west with every step.

He didn't understand why he was cursed. He had always be faithful to his king. He had protected his village diligently, and had even lost his wife because he was too focused on his responsibilities to the village instead of her. He knew the Goddess worked in mysterious ways, but he had never known her to be this cruel. He had prayed to her for release from this cursed existence, but so far she had not granted the request.

Hearing the sound of a grasshopper jumping off a blade of grass, three miles away, James moaned; he could not put up with this for much longer. The things he could see and hear were not normal, the smell and even taste of the air was full of sensations, and the sensitivity of his skin to stimulus was an abomination. James felt as if he was possessed.

Hearing a noise above him, the cursed man looked up an saw a bird take flight from a large tree. The beautiful, bright colors of the bird's feathers instantly called out to him. As James felt himself being sucked into a tunnel filled only with the Dazzling colors of the bird, he inwardly cried out for help; it was happening again.

(Last updated 21/11/99)

"Lord Blair, Lord Blair, come quickly, the king is asking for you."

Hearing the urgency in the messenger's voice, Blair Sandburg, Royal heir to the throne, abandoned the book he was reading and quickly left his peaceful garden.

As the Prince got closer to his father's bedchambers, he knew that the time must be near. The healers were all outside the room, as were his father's closest friends and Head Guard, Simon Banks. Nodding to them, Blair entered the darkened room, a place were he had spent countless hours laughing and playing with his father while growing up. Hearing his name spoken weakly, the young Prince rushed to the bed and took a fragile hand in his own.

"Father?"

"Ahh, Blair. you came. Please listen, I have little time." Pausing to draw breath, the dying King closed his eyes for a moment against the pain.

"Son, my time is near and there is not a thing anyone can do. You must stand strong for there will be many who will not believe that you should rule. You are my pride and joy and the only thing I regret is that I must leave you so soon."

Blair ignored the tears that were coursing down his young face as his father paused once again for breath.

"Blair, go get Simon, please."

Jumping up as if stung, Blair raced into the corridor and called out to the Head Guard, Simon Banks.

As they both rushed back into the room, Blair moaned, fearing the worst. His father was as still as death, his eyes closed.

Rushing to the bed, Simon raised two questioning fingers to the old man's throat. Heaving a sigh, the guard shook his head at Blair.

Giving a breathy crackle, the King opened one eye and glared at Simon.

"Sorry, Si, I'm still here."

Looking as if he was about to hug the king, but knowing it was not appropriate, Simon clasped his hands behind his back and bowed his head.

"You wanted to see me, my Lord King?"

Drawing on the last of his strength, the king looked directly into Simon's eyes.

"Captain of the Guards, Simon Banks. My last order to you as King, are as such. I give to you the full protection of my son, Prince Blair Sandburg. Your duty is to protect him at any cost and be ever vigilant, for there are many that will want to see him fall. I also order you to make sure my last gift to Blair is carried out, if it is desired. Blair, I invoke Toshka, as is my right. Simon, I ask that you watch over him carefully, guide him if he needs it, but still obey him. He is destined for great things."

With his voice growing softer and weaker with each word, the king grasped both Simon's and Blair's hands and gave a light squeeze. "Thank you, my friend, for your faithful service. I love you, Blair."

With the last words spoken, the light faded from the King's eyes and he passed from the world.

Unable to hold back the sobs, Blair leaned over and lightly kissed his father's cheek, his tears wetting the still face. Turning away from both Simon and his father, Blair rushed out of the chambers, needing to be alone.

Simon reached over and closed the dead eyes of his late king and wished him a safe journey. Not wanting to leave Blair alone for long, after having just taken the responsibility of the young Prince's, no, *King's* life, Simon called in the priests waiting outside and motioned for Rafe to follow him. Rafe, he knew, would be the best to talk to Blair.

(Last updated 25/11/99)

( This is dedicated to imbrillig and also to Lucy for introducing me to Rafe. More to come soon)

“My lord, my Lord King Blair. Please it is I, Rafe, where art thou?�E#060;o:p>

Searching the small garden again, Rafe was about to give up and try the library, Blair’s other hideout, when he heard a small noise. Going over to a large hedge near the edge of the garden, Rafe saw his new king huddled into a tight ball rocking. Crouching down next to the young king, Rafe touched him and softly called.

“My lord, My lord please look at me�EMy lord, ..Blair�EAbout to give up and get Simon, Rafe gave a sigh of relief as Blair lifted his head and looked at him with dazzled red eyes.

“Ra...fe?�E#060;o:p>

 Smiling at the recognition that was now in the eyes, he nodded.

“Yes my Lord, it is I.�E

“He’s�Ee’s dead�E

 Eyes widening at the small childish voice of his new King, Rafe swallowed

“I know, my Lord.�E#060;/span>

Hugging himself a little tighter, Blair looked into Rafe’s eyes and took a deep breath.

“No more Guard Rafe. From now on, if we are alone, you are to call me Blair. We grew up together Rafe, I can’t �E I can’t deal with it all right now, please, show me that our friendship has not changed. That I am the same old Blair.” 

“But My...Blair. You have changed. You are now the King and it would be totally inappropriate or me to call you anything but My Lord, or Lord King.�E#060;/span>

In a quick sharp motion Blair shook his head. “No I command this�Elease.�EThe last was said in a soft whisper. Rafe nodded.

“Okay Blair, but only whilst we are alone. How are you going?” 

Giving a watery smile, Blair shrugged. 

“I can’t believe he is gone. He promised me that he would be around forever. I have no one Rafe, I have no one left.�E#060;o:p>

Understanding Blair’s feelings intimately, the young guard sat down beside his friend and opened his arms, offering a hug, which was accepted. 

“That’s not true Blair. You still have me. I know that might not seem like much, but you were all I had when my family was killed, do you remember?�EPausing, Rafe lifted Blair’s chin so they were looking eye to eye. “When you were five, my parents; my whole family were killed. The only reason I was spared was because I was at your birthday party. That day I lost everyone, without really knowing what it would mean. Your father took me to the Banks' and offered them money to raise me. If he had not done such a kind act, I would have been cast out into the streets. I was welcomed into their home, and yours, and spent my years growing up at your side as your friend. 

    You lost your mother, to young to remember her, I lost my entire family. I still remember my older brother and sister. If it had not been for you, I would have probably been on the streets begging, or dead. There is no way I would have become a royal guard. If you need a friend I am here. I owe you so much as it is.�E#060;/span>

Rubbing his eyes, Blair nodded and stood up. It was time to become what he had always dreaded, yet expected; the king. With Rafe following him, Blair left the garden to confront Simon.

Updated 27/06/00

Sentarla