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		GOLDEN EAGLE BOOK OF THE EAGLE LORD
			CHAPTER ONE
He soared high above the mountain tops, to the cliffs of the shore line, higher and higher he flew, higher and higher he flew, wanting to reach the heavens, never to come down. Occasionally he faltered, dipping low before he rose again, stretching his wings he flew higher and faster, then suddenly he dipped and spiraled down. Towards the earth below he plummeted, pain soared through him as he fought to raise his battered body again. Darkness started to take over, blotting out the blue skies, darker and faster the spiraling took him down again.
He opened his eyes, lone tear slid down his cheek as he realised where he was. The chains on bit into his wrists and ankles as he hung suspended on a wooden frame. His back scarred with fresh lash cuts along with the older ones, some healed, some not. A long cut down his thigh bled slowly, made by the sharp knife of his unknown tormentor. His face bruised and cut still showed his rugged male handsomeness through the blood and grime. His clear blue eyes clouded as another wave of pain hit him. Time has lost all meaning, as he hung there. The only contact he had with anyone was when his tormentors came. To question, to taunt, to inflict pain.
He managed to fly then. To escape the torment and the agony, to soar as an eagle, free and wild, leaving his tortured body and soul behind.
Summoning his waning strength to one last effort he strained against the chains. His massive arms shook with the effort, as he tried to free himself. Exhausted he collapsed, sobs wracked his large frame as he finally gave in to the pain. Floating with it he waited to die.
The door to his cell slowly opened. Through half closed eyes he watched them as they came again. The same questions and expected responses all the time, his heart heavy he wished for death to release him and let him fly to the Elysian Fields and freedom from the mortal realm. "Let me die!" he whispered hoarsly, his voice cracking with exhaustion.
"That would be too easy, brother!" a deep voice came at him through his wall of pain. He raised his head slightly, and for the first time he looked into the face of his tormentor. A face with identical to his in every way, except in colouring. He saw raven black hair and the blackest fathomless eyes instead of his fair light brown hair and clear light blue eyes. The cold and cruel stare bit into his soul and the laugh chilled him. "Who are you?" he pleaded suddenly doubting his own sanity. "You don't recognise your own twin? I'm wounded!" the stranger with his face laughed, "think little brother, don't you remember me, Father took me away with him, when Mother sent us away!" "No!" he cried out confusion setting in, "you both died!" the shock building in him, making him shudder and slowly he realised the truth. The painful horrific truth."If you are my brother, then why........this?" he ground out.
"Why.....this you ask?"their eyes locked as he laughed even harder "for the fun of it dear brother, for the pleasure of it, for the pure fact that our Mother loved you over me!" the words were spat out. "she sent me away, banished me, you were the one she loved, the handsome hero, why shouldn't I have my own back now?" "Milias?" he squinted at the man in front of him. "Ah your memory returns!" viciously Milias grabbed his brother by the hair and jerked his head back "I would love to talk over happy childhood memories with you...but alas.....there aren't any!" Milias smiled coldy "know this little brother, you will know what it is like to have me as your brother, before you die!" silently he nodded to the hooded torturer, "good bye little brother, so sorry our reunion was so short!"
Dread filled his soul as the pain coarsed through his mortal frame, he glided away once again, hoping this time his gliding would take him to the Elysian Fields and release forever. Jerking himself back to reality, he roared and pulled at the chain with the last remaining strength he had, "NO MORE!" as each chain finally gave way he found a strength in him that stayed with him and grew inside, he had a sudden desire to live and to be free. Renewed with fight he jumped at the surprised guards and torturer wrapping the broken chains around their necks. Fighting like a man determined to live at all costs.
Silently he crept up the stair well, over the bodies of the soldiers he felled along his way, a stolen sword in his hand, blood dripping from the shining blade. Without a sound he attacked again and again, moving through the passage ways of the fortress until he found his way out. Leaving behind him a trail of corpses and blood. Finally he slipped through the stock gate and started to run towards the trees of the forest and the mountains, to freedom.
His breathing became ragged, each breath felt like tiny spears stabbing in his chest. He gasped for air and ran on. Weaving his way through the brush and trees. As he ran past he was sure he could hear the trees singing their songs of protection for him.
He ran from the stench of his prison, and the face of his tormentor, his brother, out of his mind. To be free again was all he thought about. He ran blindly, not sure of where he was going or caring as long as it was away from the horror and torment.
He woke with a start, rubbing his eyes he tried to focus on his surroundings. He lay in a soft bed, a cool sheet covering his nakedness. The cabin was small and neat, brightly lit by the sun streaming through the window, a table stood in the centre of the room, two carved wooden chairs near it. A fire burnt high in the fire place, a pot with a delicious smelling concoction bubbled away on the hearth. "I must be dead!" he mused to himself, as he sank back into the bed, closing his eyes again he fell into a fitful sleep. Tossing with the dreams, that started as soon as he shut his eyes.
Gentle hands wiped his face with a cool cloth, a quiet voice spoke soothingly, drawing him back through the haze of pain and nightmares. Slowly he opened his eyes, and gazed at her, his sight still blurry. Her fine elfin features, her large almond shaped mauve eyes, her mass of golden red curls circled her face. She appeared to be a child in a woman's body.
"Are you my guide to the Elysian Fields?"he whispered as he slipped back into a nightmare filled sleep again.
The next few days passed in a pain filled haze. He slept and dreamt, screaming out as he writhed in the grip of terror filled dreams, that were more real to him than anything else. She was always there, wiping the sweat away, murmuring quietly, soothingly feeding him a thin broth of vegetables and herbs when he woke and staying by his side when he slept. Finally he opened his eyes. and with a clear stare he took in his surroundings and the beautiful golden haired woman, sleeping at the foot of the bed. Restlessly he stood up, gathering the sheet around him, although still a little unsteady on his feet he opened the door and stepped into the bright sunshine.
The small cabin was nestled into a small valley it was surrounded by mountains topped with pink snow. A creek ran across the bottom of the fragrant garden. Flowers swayed in the breeze releasing their intoxicating perfumes into the air. Gently he eased himself down onto a low bench resting against the wall of the cabin. His tight muscles felt like they were going to snap.
"Well good morrow!" a quiet voice came from behind, "it is nice to see you finally awake!" He turned to look at her, her lithe slim figure showed through the sheer material of her dress. An apron tied around her waist emphasised her small figure and the fullness of her breasts, her golden red curls were caught loosely in a deep red ribbon, stray ones framed her face.
"I am Myia" she said simply, answering his unspoken question. "I found you down in the woods, I thought you were dying, so I brought you here and tried to heal your wounds!" "I thought I was dead" he admitted ruefully, "good morrow Myia, thank you for all of your help, but can I ask where are my pants?" Myia blushed prettily as she stepped a little closer to him."I had to burn them, they were all bloody and ripped, I have some clothes that were my Papa's they should fit, he was tall and big like you!" she pulled out a pair of trousers from behind her back, "what are you called?" "what am I called.......huh....I don't know!" his eyes filled with unexpected tears. She touched him gently on the arm, afraid to disturb his thoughts, "twill be alright, it will come to you, it'll just take time!" Her touch left a warm spot on his arm, spreading through him. "Everything is so foggy, so blurred, so......"his head fell into his hands and his massive shoulders shook, with the sudden and complete realisation of what had happened to him hit.
Myia held him close as he let his emotions go, then he raised his head suddenly, he squared his shoulders, and looked into her mauve eyes losing himself in them, "my name is Galaen" he said with a husky voice. Grabbing the pants from her he brushed past Myia and went back into the cabin, his head ducked low.
Galaen stood and stared at the looking glass on the small bench near the bed. He gazed at his own image, not believing what he saw. His fairness suddenly was replaced by the darkest of hair, his blue eyes misted over and became black and fathomless. A menacing laugh and a snake's hiss could be heard, seemingly came from nowhere. A large black snake with blood red eyes, appeared and vanished as quickly as it appeared. Anger seethed in him, boiling until he roared, a primal almost animal scream. Grabbing the mirror he threw it against the wall, splintering the glass, a sound behind him made him spin around his fist cocked, he connected with Myia's face. She collapsed into a heap, shock freezing her. Galaen, his thoughts still clouded with anger hunched over her ready to strike again, when he heard her whimper, shaking he looked down into her tear filled eyes. "By the Gods, what have I done?" he whispered aloud, dropping to his knees next to her, "how can you forgive me, after all you have done for me?" "I'm fine" she replied slowly, massaging her chin, "can you help me get up?" she tried to smile wincing slightly. "Huh?" Galaen had lost himself in her eyes, he shook himself slightly and held out his hand to Myia. Gently he pulled her up into his arms, they grasped at each other for a moment then they let go, the sudden awkwardness becoming worse.
Myia brushed a loose strand of hair from her face and fidgeted with her apron, flustered she turned to the table, hiding the blush on her cheeks she busied herself preparing the morning meal. "Myia, I....can I?" Galaen hated feeling so ueless, angry with himself he spun around looking for something to do, the broken glass caught his eye, sighing heavily he knelt down and gingerly started to pick jup the shards of glass. "How did this get broken Myia?" he asked casually as he picked up the pieces, confusion and anger hung around him like a heavy black blanket. Myia looked at him in amazement, she could already feel his tumulous emotions, they buffeted her like a strong wind, she pushed them down into the back of her mind, trying to keep a tight control on them. With slow and deliberate steps Galaen walked out, his shoulders slumped with pain and grief, he moved like a man three times his age. Myia watched him, through the window, tears welling in her eyes, the dark murderous thoughts and fits of anger disturbed her, but she tried to keep them at bay, not letting them get at her, she felt like she needed to be the strong one. That their fates were already intertwined forever.She just had to keep it from Galaen for now.
She placed some steaming cereal in two bowls, and dripped fresh wild honey mixed with goats milk over the top, then she broke up a loaf of dark coarse bread and put it on a plate, and filled two glasses with fresh clear water from the pitcher on the kitchen bench. "Galaen, your meal is ready," she called "hope you're hungry !" Galaen came in and sat at the table, his mouth watering from the aroma, he hardly paused for breath as he ate with a renewed appetite, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, grinning he gulped down the water, and sat back, "that was wonderful Myia, I didn't realise how hungry I really was!" "Please have more, there is plenty, you need to gain your strength back Galaen" Myia ladled more cereal into his bowl with the honey and milk, as Galaen ate she watched him, gulping down the food with his head down he looked like an overgrown child. "Do you remember anything else, Galaen about what had happened to you?" Slowly he raised his head and stared directly into her eyes. He didn't speak straight away, it was if he had lost his train of thought, worried Myia touched his arm gently, "Galaen?" "I remember the urge to run, just to keep running away from some sort of danger, and a face, a face staring and laughing at me, a face just like mine" Galaen pushed his bowl away, sitting back he looked around the cabin, "tell me about yourself, Myia, how long have you been here?" "I was born, not far from here in a small community but I have lived here most of my life, with my Grandmama, until she passed over to the Elysion Fields, now it's just me and my animal friends, I rarely go to town, only when I need supplies, I have nearly everything I need here. I hate being near a lot of people all of the time" "Why, you are so beautiful, you should be the center of attention in the township" "thank you, but it is too painful for me, you see I feel what others feel, after a while it affects me and I become ill from it, so avoid them!" Myia stood and started to clear the dishes, "Why don't you go and lie on the bench outside and have a rest, you are still so unwell, you need your rest, go on while I tidy." Galaen sat on the bench and stared unhappily out at the sky, slowly he flew away, he soared high over the little cabin, feeling the rush of the wind against his feathers, relishing with his freedom in flight he ducked and weaved, dropping low then flying as high as he could before dropping again,spiraling and weaving he flew, without a worry, without the constant pain, then Myia's beautiful face came into mind, making him falter as he flew, circling he noticed the form of a man sitting hunched over, then he spied the woman, her golden curls blowing gently around her face. She pegged the clothing out on the lines, her long skirts wrapping around her shapely legs. Reluctantly he flew back down and hovered above the humans below, then he tucked in his wings, and realised that he was staring at Myia, her lithe form shadowed in the sun, showing through the sheerness of the fabric of her clothing, smiling she turned to look at Galaen, her eyes bright and happy, slowly she turned back to hanging out the wash. Galaen slowly and stiffly stood and moved over to her, picking up the wash he handed it to Myia he watched as she hung it on the line, the gracefulness of her hand, the dimple in her cheek, he took in everything about her. Her presence alone made him almost forget his problems, and the nagging aches of his battered body. Gently he lay his large hand on her shoulder, turning her towards him, he traced the outline of her face, her beauty radiated to him, as he lowered his head and kissed her softly on her lips, "thank you" he whispered then he walked away, heading towards the creek running across the bottom of the small garden, there he stood tossing pebbles into the water. A scream from behind him, made Galaen spin around, a guard held Myia tight against him, a sharp dagger pressed against her neck. "NO!" Galaen roared, rushing towards them, "leave her be, it's me you're after not her!" "So be it," the guard pushed Myia away, against the washing she tumbled sitting up she stared open mouthed as the two warriors fought. Galaen, rested and feeling stronger, fought with a new sense of desperation, as he ducked another blow and countered with a kick to the groin of the guard, spinning around he delivered a stinging blow to his chin then he brought his knee up, under the guards chin forcing him backwards, Galaen dropped to his knees over his opponent, and pushed the dagger down on his neck, "Galaen!" Myia screamed horrified, her body shaking as she absorbed the glancing blows and pain felt by both men, "Please! Don't kill him!" Distracted Galaen looked at Myia, seeing his chance the guard flipped Galaen off and pinned him down, trying to pry the dagger from Galaen's hand. They started to wrestle rolling around and down the slope, finally Galaen took a firm grip on the dagger and thrust it up into the chest plate of the guard, with a grunt of surprise, the guard stared blankly at Galaen then he toppled over, the life draining from him. "Galaen what have you done?" Myia cried rushing over to the dead body, of the guard, she sobbed, tears fell down her cheeks, "how could you kill him?" "He was going to kill you Myia, I had to............!" Galaen stumbled over the words, his breath ragged and heaved in his chest. "You didn't have to kill him!" she looked at Galaen, with a hurt stare then she bent over the body rocking back and forth she started to chant, in a language Galaen had never heard before, dejected he walked away, inside the cabin he picked up his sword and looked back towards Myia, then he slowly walked down the path away from his new found hope and love. "Galaen?" Myia called as she ran after him, grabbing him by the arm she made him turn around,she met with a stare full of hate and hurt. "Why are you leaving?" "Why? Isn't it obvious, I had to kill that guard, if he found me then others will, then one will kill you and I won't be able to stop it from happening!" he cried, "I have to go and finish what has been started!" "What? What has started, what happened to you Galaen, stop! Look at me! Answer me!" Myia pleaded with him. Galaen kept walking away for a few minutes, then he turned and with an anguished cry he strode back to Myia, "I don't remember everything, but I know there is such a danger that neither of us can defend against it like this!" "What do you mean like this?" Myia pouted, she stood with her fists clenched against her hips, her legs wide and braced, her hair became a fiery red. "Like this, you and me, what we have or want I can't do it like this!" Galaen ground out as he spun around to face her. Myia stared at Galaen, then she stood on the tips of her toes and pulled his face down until their lips met, first gently then with more passion, they kissed, Galaen drew her into his embrace. Then he broke away, shaking, "this is what I mean, I can't do this!" Galaen turned and started to walk away, Myia stared at him in disbelief then ran after him and grabbed him by the arm, making him spin around. "No, I'm not going to let you leave like this" Myia cried "You came into my life so quickly you're not going to leave even quicker....look at you, you can hardly stand up, you need rest and healing, please Galaen think, you need me!" Galaen stared at her, trying to get his emotions in check, he tried to turn away from her but then he looked into her eyes again. She stared hard at him, anger rising, "don't you dare even think of leaving Galaen...................!" "You don't understand Myia I have to go, I have to find out what is going on, what I can't remember.............." he murmured sadly. "You are scared to stay with me aren't you, scared of liking me?!" Myia fired the questions at him her temper flaring again. "You have no idea what I'm feeling Myia" Galaen's temper started to rise as well, ‘how could he make this stubborn wood nymph understand why he had to go especially when she looked and smelt so good' he straightened his shoulders and shook his head firmly "I have to go Myia there is no use arguing with me!" suddenly the ground started to spin up to meet him, his breath became laboured, a sheen of sweat broke out on his face. Galaen sunk to his knees, gasping for breath. He felt like some one had their hands wrapped around his neck, squeezing the very life from him. "Galaen what is it, what's wrong?" Myia tried to help him back to his feet, slowly she helped him over to a large rock. He lent against it, the colour gone from his face as he gazed helplessly at her trying to catch his breath. Pain shot through his chest like flames burning across him. Gently Myia lay her hands on his fevered brow and started to chant in a soft voice, Galaen started to find his breathing easier, he watched Myia in wonderment until he could feel darkness start to take over him, as he stared into Myia's beautiful his eyes started to close and he relaxed against the rock, slipping down to the soft grass, his head fell back, his breathing evened out, the burning in his chest eased, all he could hear was the soft murmur of Myia's voice as she chanted, he finally felt a total peace and calm, sleepily he wondered if she was a witch after all and had cast a spell on him. As Galaen opened his eyes he tried to focus on his surroundings, slowly things started to become clearer, Myia sat there next to him, her long fingers entwined with his large ones, nestled on her lap, she dozed lightly exhausted, the breeze had cooled the sting of the noon day sun, the trees bent slightly, whispering to themselves in the breeze. He sat back and took a big breath, things seemed so jumbled in his mind, vaguely he recalled what had happened that morning.
Myia stirred and stretched, she reminded him of a contented ginger cat, ‘maybe she has cast a spell on me' he thought. "Do you feel well enough to make it back to the cabin?" she demanded still angry with him "see what your stubbornness did to you, you are not ready to travel yet Galaen!" "Myia please listen to me..........." Galaen pleaded softly. "No, no I will not, you are going to listen to me Galaen, we are going back to the cabin and you are going to rest!" Myia stood in front of him, her fists resting on her slim hips, her red curls blazed in the sunlight. Sighing Galaen rose slowly, the weakness in his body still remained, wearily he shrugged his shoulders, "I give up for now Myia, but I will have to leave soon, there will be more coming for me!" "We'll cross that problem if it arises, now come on you need your rest!" Myia changed he tone to placate him, intending to go with him anyway when she was sure he was fit enough to travel. When Galaen woke again, he looked around at the now familiar cabin, Myia was no where to be seen, and neither were his clothes. Wrapping the sheet around his waist, Galaen went in search of both his clothes and Myia. He found her sitting on the edge of the creek, her long legs dangled lazily in the water, she sat humming to herself as she combed her long curls. "Sleep well Galaen?" she asked without turning around "I hope you're not planning to go anywhere without any clothing!" "Alright Myia very funny, now where are my clothes?" Galaen could feel his temper rise again, he felt so frustrated, she was so annoying. "You'll get them back when you are well enough!" she retorted turning away from him. "Myia!" Galaen exploded "where are my clothes?" "That sheet does become you, Sir Galaen" Myia giggled as she stood up and faced him, "like I said before, when you are well enough I will return your clothing!" "Can you explain then what am I going to do until you decide when I am as you say well enough?!" Galaen shot back his anger easing a little, her teasing smile getting to him. "Well you will just have to behave yourself then won't you!" Myia teased as she walked past him and started back to the cabin. Fuming Galaen followed her trying not to trip over the edge of the sheet. Myia met him at the cabin door, a small pot of foul smelling cream in her hand, "sit, please Galaen" Galaen sat on the outside bench in silence determined not to let her get the better of him. Myia moved behind him and started to massage the cream into the half healed scars and wounds on his back. Gently she worked the cream in, rubbing the tenseness and soreness out is his back. Giving in to the gentle touch of her fingers, Galaen started to relax and let the salve ease the pain. Without realising it, Galaen started to fly high, feeling the pressure go from his back and wings he soared high, relishing the freedom from pain and stiffness. He circled above the woman and man below, her hands working a magic of their own. He flew high to the mountain peaks, spying a crystal clear lake full of fish he dived, hitting the water with a graceful ease, although he missed the fish, he enjoyed the exercise. Shaking the water from his wings, he dived again, then he felt the pull back, reluctantly he gave in and let the sky fade away. Galaen looked up at Myia, confused for a moment, "did you say something?" "It's not important, you looked so relaxed and happy!" Myia whispered loudly, trying to hide her grin. "I guess I lost myself there for a while, now thanks for the massage but can I please have my clothes back?" Smiling Myia shook her head, "lie on your back and let me work on your chest and legs" gently she pushed him down and straddled his waist. She scooped the salve in her palm and started to smear it across his strong, muscled chest. Slowly she worked, kneading it in to the cuts and scars, then slowly she moved down his torso to his thighs. Lifting the sheet up she left a little across his groin while she worked on the ugly wound on his leg. An infection had started to set in, the crusts puckered and festering with greenish puss. Myia gasped and wondered to herself how he could still be standing alive, cautiously she spread the salve around the wound, glancing up at his face with concern, Myia started to work the cream into the wound. She felt him stiffen, and gasp with pain, then he relaxed again, the calming effects of the ointment started to take effect. Watching his face intently Myia let her hand slide up his thigh, gently working the cream into the sensitive skin. Slowly she allowed her hand to slide further up to a place she had never ventured before with anyone. Suddenly Galaen gripped her wrist and with a murderous look he pushed her away and got up, he pulled the sheet together around his hips and started to stride off, "What have I done now?" Myia cried to his retreating back. With a roar Galaen turned around and strode back to Myia, "I thought we made it clear none of this until I have found out what is going on! "But what did I do?" Myia implored innocently.
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