The Gem Of Dethmus


        The castle courtyards was overflowing with unusual energy
from the celebration occurring below. As it drifted out onto the
terrace, Ry'al thought how peculiar it sounded. After all, when
the mercenary had first arrived to the kingdom, it had been
shrouded in a near death-like silence. 
        It had seemed like those Sularians who had not been leery
of him and his motives when he had first arrived, had been
stricken with grief over the devastation the great mind-plague
had caused to their people. The soldier had never seen such
wide-spread suffering, nearly every household having been
touched by the sickness that would first destroy the mind
before finally ravaging the body.
        Closing his eyes, Ry'al could still conjure up the
image of a young Sularian mother cradling her stricken offspring
to her bosom, begging one of the healers to help her ailing
child. The mercenary could also remember defiant tears that
spilled down the mother's bronze cheek as the healer turned away
from her and said there was nothing further he could do. 
        It had been the introduction to this group of proud,
but weakened people that had finally convinced Ry'al to assist
the Sularian king, Jorian Prim, who had summoned him. 
        The ruler's request had seemed a simple one at first...

========= 
One month prior
=========

        Ry'al arm was held tightly by the young servant's hand
while being guided through a long and winding corridor of the
castle. 
        "Hurry with you, King Prim awaits," the young man
prompted, ushering him along even more quickly.
        "Do you know what he wishes of me?" Ry'al asked, hoping
to get some information before actually meeting the ruler.
        "The king does not inform me of such matters," the
servant said, dark brows furrowing in exasperation. "He only
asked for me to fetch you now, so please come."
        Quickening his own pace, it was only minutes before
Ry'al came face to face with who could only be the Imperial
Guards. The two large Sularian males were standing at prompt
attention, arms folded in front of their chests. The golden
complexion, common to all Sularians, was set off even more-so by
the well-fitting dark yellow uniforms clothing the guard's forms.
The most unique and noticeable aspect of the uniform though was
not the color, but the rather long sabers sheathed to their
thigh, which was nearly hidden by the black sash around their
waists. It had been the first and only weapons Ry'al had seen
since entering the kingdom.
        The servant bowed his head slightly. "By orders of King
Prim, I bring Ry'al Lamar to speak with him."
        "The visitor must first be searched," the taller of the
two guards said.
        Ry'al could have told them they would find no weaponry
on his person, but knew the protocol had to be carried out
regardless, so he allowed the quick, but thorough search.
        "You may enter now," the smaller guard said.
        Ry'al merely glared at him in passing, knowing he had
more important matters to attend to.
        As he entered, Ry'al took in the spacious room...his
eyes lingering on the impossibly high ceiling and the beautiful
tapestries that filled the walls, and finally came to the throne
in the center of the room, which was empty. The king, instead
of being seated, was standing next to one of the huge windows
that allowed the bright sun to pour in and fill the room. The
regal figure looked diminutive in contrast, but from all
accounts he'd heard, Ry'al knew such thoughts to be deceptive.
There was nothing meek or meager about the sovereign leader who
had brought his people out of poverty and disappear to the great
kingdom it had flourished to become. Or at least had flourished
until recently.
        "Your Majesty, you have summoned me?" Ry'al asked when
the king had yet to speak.
        The ruler turned his slender back around. As their eyes
met, Ry'al was once more taken by the differences in the looks
of their people. 
        The Sularian people where much smaller in stature
and more slender than the Tallogians, his people. And while their
skin was the monochrome color of sand, only offset by the purple
spots on horse-shoe shaped ears, his own Tallogian skin was a
two-toned dark blue and white, the white taking the left side of
his body while the blue colored the right. Another difference
quite noticeable was that while Sularians had hair as dark as
night, Tallogians had fair hair. Ry'al also knew the difference
between their peoples went much deeper than merely physical
appearance.
        "Yes, Ry'al Lamar, I did summon you," the king finally
answered in a soft voice. "Come."
        Ry'al moved soundlessly against the floor into the
sunlight filtering in from the window to stand next to the king.
        Dark eyes studied the floor before rising to meet the
mercenary's dark blue. "You have seen firsthand the trouble my
kingdom is in."
        Ry'al answered solemnly. "Yes, Sire, I have." 
        "I summoned you here in order to ask for your
services." Dark eyes bored into him. "Your help in saving my
people while there is still hope that they can be saved."
        "What is there that can be done for them?" Ry'al asked,
folding his arms across his chest. 
        The king waited until the servant boy had left the room
before continuing. "There has been rumors, whispered tales
without much fact but still..."
        "Yes?" Ry'al urged.
        Jorian sighed before beginning. "I have heard the healers
speak of a gem, a special gem called the Gem of Dethmus. This
gem might be the only thing cure the poison spreading through my
people." 
       Ry'al frowned in skepticism. "And what would make this Gem
of Dethmus so powerful?"
       King Jorian's fingers caressed the scepter he held. "It
has been told that Dethmus was a powerful sorcerer who believed
that in order to achieve immortality he had to transfer his
powers to an inanimate object." 
        "The gem," Ry'al guessed. 
        Jorian nodded. "Correct. Now, my healers believe that
once this gem is located they will be able to release the power
of the stone and use it for healing purposes, banishing the
disease that is methodically, ruthlessly, killing those under
my governage."
        "And why hire me to locate the gem for you? For surely
this is why you sought me." Ry'al glanced out the window and
into the cloudless sky above. "Why not send one or more of your
own men on this quest?"
        "Because I do not think any of my men would be capable
of matching your skills," the king responded. 
        Ry'al's eyes narrowed considerably. "By skills, you mean
those formed by my warrior heritage?"
        "Yes," came the quite response.
        "Skills involving bloodshed and...what is it your
people call it? Barbarianism...that your kind find so
disgusting?" 
        The king raised a hand to stop him. "Please, do not
judge my race by a few. Yes, I will admit that we are people of
a peaceful society and have no need to protect ourselves with
weapons or learn skills of war, but do not feel we do not
respect your people because they do possess and use this
knowledge. We simply believe peace can be maintained through
understanding and negotiating instead of...intimidation."
        "As my people believe that sometimes our hand is
necessarily forced to show we are more that capable of
protecting what is ours," Ry'al insisted.
        Jorian nodded in acquiesce. "Will you use these skills,
if necessary, to aid our cause?"
        "I'll help anyone...for the right price," Ry'al
replied, trying to keep the smirk off his face. He found it more
than a little ironic that these people needed the help of
someone they could barely tolerate.
        "I believe the price will be found more than
satisfactory," the King retorted.
        "And we're talking...."
        "You'll get to name your own price once the job is
completed and the gem is delivered to the healers," Jorian
furnished.
        Naming his own price? Ry'al had not been expecting
that. Most people who hire his services pay a certain fee. It
was no problem though, as he knew exactly what he would ask for
in payment. Though he had been excommunicated from his own
kingdom, forced to leave his own kind, he had received word
that the Tallogians had also been stricken by the same
devastating disease as the Sularians...including his own younger
brother, Ma'gi. Once the stone was brought to the Sularian
healers, he would ask that the cure be sent to his own people
immediately.
        "I'll need equipment, supplies," Ry'al stated instead
of answering straight out.
        "You'll have all the provisions you need, I'll see to
that." The king extended his hand in a promise to seal the
terms of the agreement.
        
        Ry'al captured the proffered hand and shook it heartily.

        Early the next morning, after gathering his supplies,
Ry'al had made his way to the king's livery to saddle a steed
for the long journey. A torch guided the mercenary through the
stalls, as day had not yet broken into the night sky. The smell
of fresh hay and the sounds of soft neighing greeted him. Ry'al
continued stealthily until he came upon a sable coated mare that
began dancing and prancing when he passed by. 
        "Easy, my girl," Ry'al spoke quietly as to not spook the
fine looking horse. "Are you anxious to be my traveling partner
today?" He smiled as the mare's nostrils flared with approval. 
        "She seems to be ready, as am I," came a soft voice
from behind the mercenary.
        Whirling around, hand upon sword and ready to unsheathe
it if need be, Ry'al came face to face with a slender figure
cloaked in a dark black cape with midnight blue trimming around
the edges. The speaker's face was hid behind a heavy hood.
        "Identify yourself," Ry'al demanded.
        Slender fingers rose to push the hood back upon the
stranger's shoulders, revealing a young man. A grim frown pursed
full lips while Ry'al was measured by a pair of deep set hazel
eyes that flickered in the torch's flame. With the hood down, it
also revealed the stranger's long dark hair and a bejeweled gold
chain that looped between the two points of his left ear.
        "I am known as Thalus," came the soft and unassuming 
voice.
        "As in Thalus Prim, the king's son?" Ry'al asked,
slightly taken aback.
        For a brief moment, the young man allowed a smile to
touch his lips and Ry'al could not help be amazed by the beauty
of this man-child before him. 
        "Yes, that is I." 
        "Then what is it you seek?" Ry'al asked, letting his
hand rest to his side instead of on his saber.
        "I seek to accompany you on your quest for the Gem of
Dethmus," the prince stated.
        Ry'al's eyes widened for a moment and then he threw his
head back, letting deep laughter roll from his throat.
        "And what, may I presume, do you find so humorous in my
request?" the prince asked, his mouth puckered slightly in
annoyance.
        When Ry'al could catch his breath again, he attempted
an answer. "The King's son wishes to go with me to bring back
the gem."
        "That is correct," the prince stated.
        Ry'al couldn't help but smile at the younger Sularian
prince. "First, what makes you think your father would even
agree to such a preposterous suggestion? Can you even begin to
fathom the kinds of obstacles that might lie in waiting for me?
There is simply no way King Jorion would dare allow his only
heir on such a mission," Ry'al pointed out reasonably.
"Besides, what makes you think I'd want you trailing along
anyhow? Chances are you'd be more of a hindrance than an asset
anyway," Ry'al said, eyes narrowing. "I am being paid to bring
back the jewel, not to protect you."
        The young man strode forward until he was toe to toe
and nose to nose with the mercenary. Thalus's eyes did not
waiver as his soft voice spoke with stern authority.
        "First of all, Mercenary, my father's concerns are not
my own. There isn't even need for him to know I've accompanied
you. As for being a hindrance, rest assured my friend, I am
more than capable of protecting myself...more so than anyone
including my father is even aware of. In fact, I might
even...surprise...you if you allow me to come. Also don't be so
quick to dismiss the benefits having a member of royalty could
afford you while alone in a kingdom of people not your own."
        The conviction of the prince's words were nearly as
surprising to Ry'al as the boldness in which they were spoken.
It was enough to make Ry'al pause a moment and consider the
wisdom in the man-child's words.
        "And," Thalus continued, "what kind of future ruler
could I hope to be if I am not willing to do what I can to help
save the lives of my countrymen?" The prince's voice dropped
lower as he continued to speak. "How could I dare talk of
respect, of honor, of sacrifice and courage from my subjects if
I am not willing to lead by example?"
        The stables fell silent as each man stared into the
other's eyes. A horse in a far stall whinnied and Ry'al looked
down at his worn boots.
        "I'm leaving as soon as the sun breaks. Gather your own
provisions and be ready to ride by then if you wish to come
with me."
        The young prince reached out and laid a hand upon
Ry'al's shoulder, the heat from the delicate fingers seemed to
flow right down the mercenary's back.
        "Thank you," Thalus spoke barely above a whisper. "I
shall be ready."

======== 
Present Day
========

        What Ry'al hadn't expected though, was just acutely
accurate the young prince's words would come to be. In fact, had
it not been for Thalus, Ry'al would have surely not lived to
see the gem returned to the healer. How was he to have known
that Rahjeem, an evil sorcerer, not only had possessed the
healing gem but had also induced the mind-plague in hopes of
weakening both the Sularians and Tallogians and coming to rise in
power and take over rule of both races? Nor was he to know that
young Thalus, unbeknownst to his father, held power over magic
himself...or that Thalus would be required to battle against
Rahjeem in order to claim the jewel.

        And how would Ry'al have known that along the journey
to seek the stone, he would find his attraction to Thalus almost
too much to bare?

        Yet there it was. The very truth that had been staring
him painfully in the face, demanding to be dealt with, since
the last leg of their trip. Never since Chath'el had Ry'al been
attracted to another male, never allowed himself close enough
to become attracted. Now as quickly as it started, it would be
over. Ry'al had delivered the gem and King Prim had stood by
his word of payment, a messenger already having been sent to the
Tallogian High Counsel. All that was left was for him to pack
up and leave the following morning.
        Ry'al let his eyes shut, letting the night wind that had
stirred to gently brush against his cheek and sighed. 'You're
going soft, my friend. Keep it up and you'll lose your edge for
good and then what use would you be?' 
        The mercenary tried to ignore the tauntings of his own
thoughts, but found it too difficult. After all, what 'would' he
have if he lost his edge? Being a soldier was all he'd know for
the last half of his life. What could he even think could happen
between him and a future king? He wouldn't even consider keeping
Thalus from the thrown either, he couldn't deprive the kingdom of
someone who would come to be a very wise and compassionate ruler.
        While lost in thought, Ry'al hardly noticed the slim
figure that had approached him soundlessly from behind. A slender
hand fell onto his shoulder, the familiar spark of the touch
searing Ry'al to the bone. The prince's body was clothed in a
sheer white one piece outfit that billowed over his limbs, the
small waist defined by a royal blue sash. 
        "My friend, why are you not at the celebration? It is for
you that they gather and rejoice your triumph of bringing the gem
that has ended their suffering."
        Ry'al turned towards the searching hazel eyes. "They don't
know the truth though, do they?"
        "What truth is that?" Thalus asked, letting his hand slide
down away from the mercenary's shoulder.
        "That if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have even
lived to bring the stone back," Ry'al said in a voice barely
audible. 
        "They must not know of my powers, you know this,"
Thalus reminded him.
        "But why does it have to be that way? Your power, your
skill..." Ry'al started to object. 
        "Would be seen as a threat by some," Thalus supplied. "They
would fear what they do not understand." The young prince's eyes
fell towards the crowd in the courtyard, watching his subjects.
        "I suppose you're right," Ry'al relented. "Even if you
told of your training with Tridal." 
        Thalus had told Ry'al after the battle with Rejeem about the
time he had spent as a boy with Tridal, the court's soothsayer with
a hidden talent as a wizard. Tridal had obviously taken a liking
to the boy-prince and took him under his wing as an apprentice
without the king's knowledge or consent.
        "All my people need to know is that Rajeem is no longer a
threat to us any longer," the prince spoke with quiet
decisiveness. 
        "Because you, not I, took his life," Ry'al whispered.
        Two agile fingers pressed hard against Ry'al's lips. "Let
us not speak of that," Thalus said, shadows flickering across his
eyes. 
        The fact that the prince was now only a hair's breadth
away from him did not go unnoticed to the mercenary, his body
instantly betraying him at the proximity. 
        "But I wish to speak of it," Ry'al said huskily. "You
risked your own life to save mine without pause or thought."
        Only the two of them knew the full truth of the battle
with Rajeem. The wizard's magic had been too strong for Ry'al and
had drained him of much strength and energy. While incompasitated,
he watched as the young prince and wizard battled with magic in
the forest clearing. Rajeem's powers had been strong, but not
strong enough to overcome the power of the prince's pureness. Then
when Rajeem had been weakened, Thalus had grabbed Ry'al's own
sword and slew the wizard. 
        "And I would do so again willingly," Thalus confessed.
        Ry'al shook his head in an attempt to clear it. Thalus was
too close. Hazel eyes seemed to absorb him, the slight body seemed
to overwhelmingly surround him, sweet breath blew warm against his
cheek. 
        "Why, when taking life goes against everything you were
taught...everything you believe in?"
        "The price pales when compared to what I'd have lost had I
not."
        Ry'al blinked. The moonlight seeming more intense as it wove
ribbons of light and shadows through Thalus's unbound hair which laid
in gentle waves down the center of the prince's back. 
        "You would not have lost the jewel. Rajeem was no match for
your skills and prowess with sorcery...or with the sword."
        As he spoke, the mercenary's eyes fell upon Thalus's full
lips. They glistened as the prince moistened them with the tip of
his tongue.
        "It was not the jewel that was my primary concern." 
        The prince lifted his hand and gently cupped the mercenary's
cheek. Ry'al found himself frozen
        "Have you still not realized yet that it was 'you' I fought
for, not the jewel?" The corners of the prince's mouth curled up in
a small smile. "At the moment I realized Rajeem meant to kill you,
suddenly the thought of saving many meant nothing compared to
saving just one...a very special one." 
        Somehow Ry'al forced down the lump that had formed in his
throat enough to find his voice. "What are you saying?"
        "I'm saying," Thalus whispered, "that I have come to care
a great deal for you, Mercenary."
        Ry'al slid his hand up the prince's arm and wrist until he
covered the young Sularian's hand with his own, pressing his cheek
against the warmth.
        "Since when?"
        Thalus stroked his thumb against firm cheekbones. "Since
we mind-merged...or before."
        Ry'al sucked in a breath as he recalled the experience
that had happened. A small band of thieves had tried to attack them
early on the journey. Ry'al had received a deep and painful stab
wound through the shoulder. The pain had been excruciating and the
prince said he could help. Starting with some breathing
techniques, Thalus had lead Ry'al into a meditative trance. The
prince had then said he could help further but only if the
mercenary allowed him to do so. Ry'al had been leery but had
agreed and before he knew what was happening, Thalus was sharing
his thoughts. The feeling of having the prince enter his mind was
nothing Ry'al had ever felt before. Incredible energy filled him
but along with that came a powerful sense of peace and
feeling...safe. That had been a strange feeling to overcome, but
before Ry'al could have any hesitation or doubts he had already let
Thalus have complete access to his thoughts and memories, hiding
nothing from the prince because somehow he knew he had no reason
to.
        After the intense experience, Ry'al knew then he had
started caring for the Sularian prince as well.
        Staring into the depths of hazel eyes, Ry'al found himself
at a loss for words. There were so many things he thought to say,
yet the stuck in his throat. Instead, his hand captured the back of
the prince's dark head and pulled him forward until their lips
touched.
        The kiss was hesitant and light but jolting at the same
time. Ry'al gently tasted the soft pliable lips that yielded to
him. The prince's willing mouth was sweeter than anything Ry'al had
ever tasted before and he found himself hungry for more when they
finally parted for air. Ry'al's fingers massaged the nape of the
prince's neck as their eyes were locked on one another. They were
still close enough to take in the other's breath. 
        "Stay here, tonight, with me," Thalus offered in a whisper
against Ry'al's mouth. 
        The mercenary closed his eyes and tried to clear his mind.
He knew what Thalus was offering and his chest ached with need and
desire to take it. The ache was only matched in intensity by the
anguish in the realization that if Ry'al took the gift offered him
tonight, that it would 'only' be for tonight. Could he face the
morning sun and walk away after sharing something like what the
prince was asking for? The thought made his chest hurt worse than
if he'd been pierced with a sword once again. A half-formed curse
to the fates rose on his lips. How dare they tease him by offering
such tender pleasure only to know he'd be forced to leave it come
morning.
        Thalus closed the distance between them once more to press
his lips with more insistence than the first kiss. The prince
allowed his lips to part and his tongue to explore the
mercenary's, his fingers digging into the soldier's shoulders. He
pressed into Ry'al's body, molding himself against the other man.
        Ry'al growled deep in his throat, forcing the young prince
back until he was flush against the stone wall of the castle. The
mercenary relentlessly drove his tongue side the prince's mouth,
claiming the sweetness for his own. Their tongues dueled and
twined against one another in heated battle as their lips grated
harshly against the other's. Ry'al turned the tender assault into
a thorough exploration of the young Sularian's mouth, tracing
over the ridged roof, playing with the soft inner skin of his
cheek, and running over pearl white teeth. 
        Ry'al pressed full length against the prince, letting no
room for even a breeze to pass between their bodies as the
mercenary's hands slid down the prince's form to pull their hips
together. The prince moaned softly as the kiss ended and Ry'al
could feel the heat from Thalus's fingers as they ran over the
length of his back.
        "Damn you,Boy," Ry'al cursed in a ragged breath. "This
wasn't supposed to happen." 
        The mercenary captured the prince's chin with his fingers
and forced the Sularian's head back gently where he tenderly
kissed the firm jawline before letting his tongue trail down the
exposed neck until he reached the prince's shoulder. 
        "This shouldn't happen..." the soldier whispered in a
hoarse voice into the hollow of the prince's neck.
        "And why shouldn't it?" Thalus insisted. "When we both
long for it."
        "Because tomorrow..." Ry'al began.
        "Is yet many hours away," Thalus reminded him. "We
could either spend this night alone and wishing for what could
be or we could take these hours we have for pleasure and sharing
something we can hold with us."
        The mercenary could find no suitable argument for the
younger man. There was no denying his body's desire and while
the thought of leaving the prince in by dawn's light caused an
undefined ache somewhere deep inside the soldier's chest, the
ache became tenfold at the thought of letting this night slip
through his fingers. He knew instinctively that the regret
he'd face would be worse than sharing himself for the few hours
he could with the young Sularian.
        Ry'al leaned in to taste once more of the full lips
already swollen and bruised. The kiss was lingering and
possessive, Ry'al groaning in defeat as he surrendered himself
to the kiss and the unspoken vow he knew he was making. When
the kiss broke, Thalus held out his hand and Ry'al took it
willingly. 
        The younger noble led the warrior off of the terrace
and into the sleeping chamber. The room was was illuminated with
a mixture of candle and moonlight, leaving few shadows in the
spacious room. Thalus's eyes didn't leave Ry'al as he led the
older Tallogian to a large bed with silken sheets and a flowing
canopy that took up the center of the room.
        The room seemed to dim and blur around Ry'al, light and
dark coalescing into one, as the only thing he could focus on
with perfect clarity was the dark eyes of the prince. His hand
reached out and grabbed the midnight blue sash around Thalus's
waist and pulled the younger man against him. Dark eyes seemed
to smolder as Ry'al tenderly traced the young prince's lips
with the pad of his thumb before claiming them in a branding
kiss.
        The Sularian's arms twined around Ry'al's neck as the
mercenary slid his hands up and down the narrow, muscled back.
Ry'al slowly started to unhook the clasps of the prince's white
outfit one by one, his fingertips brushing over each new area of
exposed skin, until he reached the younger man's waist. Untying
the sash, Ry'al let the gauzy outfit fall in a sheer pool around
the prince's ankles.
        Ry'al's breath caught in his lungs as his eyes slowly
swept down the Thalus's nude form. There was no denying the
younger man's beauty - a perfect union of sinewy curves and
muscles moved with such grace. It was enough to almost mesmerize
him, much like it did the first time he caught a glimps of the
man-child...that warm day weeks ago when Thalus had been
bathing at the waterfall. The prince had been unaware of Ry'al's
watchful gaze as the afternoon sun glistened off the golden
body. 
        Then, as now, Ry'al could not seem to pull his eyes away.
Though this time, the mercenary was not only transfixed by the
outter beauty of the younger man, but knew the inner beauty.
The Sularian was such a unique mixture of innocence and
sagacity, of strength and vulnerability. For a moment, Ry'al
wondered what he'd done up to this point in his life to be
worthy of the prince's attention, but he was nevertheless
grateful for whatever the reason might be that Thalus had
chosen him. 
        The mercenary tucked a stray strand of ebony hair behind
the prince's indented ear, rubbing the back of his knuckle's
against the young man's cheek before allowing both hands to
caress the prince's arms. The Sularian prince tilted his face
upwards in a silent demand for more kisses, which the soldier
more than eagerly supplied. 
        Ry'al's hands gravitated up and down the warm, bare
flesh that seemed to vibrate with energy and need. Hunger and
desire, affection and want melted together to illuminate deep
hazel eyes, the mercenary knowing that the dark gaze was a
mirror relection of his own. Their lips fuzed together as
Ry'al's hands trailed down Thalus's spine to the small of his
back, fingers wrapped around the thin waist as the mercenary
could feel the heat of the prince's body even through the
barrier of his own clothing.
        "Beautiful boy, damnable beautiful boy," Ry'al murmered
against Thalus's lips as his hands caressed the younger man's
slender hips.
        The prince smiled as his fingers tugged at the fawn
colored jerkin Ry'al wore until it was pulled over the older
man's head. Ry'al closed his eyes as Thalus began unbuttoning
the cotton shirt he wore. The cool night air hit his skin
breifly until it was warmed by agile, exploring fingers. 
        Nimble fingertips traced over hard muscles, gently teasing
rosey nipples to hard peaks as Ry'al bit his tongue to keep from
crying outloud. The prince caressed him with such sureness, as
though he knew exactly which caressess would push him over the
edge with the most efficiency. With the first kiss, Ry'al had felt
certain he would be the teacher tonight, but now he was beginning
to wonder just who would serve as the teacher and whom would be
the student. If the prince's mere kisses and easy expertise at
caressing was any indication, he just might learn a thing or two
himself.
        "Have you..." Ry'al paused as Thalus reached for his belt.
"Have you ever been with another..." The warrior couldn't seem to
get the words out. A part of him dreaded asking the question, or
rather the truth it might bring.
        "Have I made love to another male before?" the prince
supplied with a demure smile. A slight pinkish blush was barely
detectible under the younger man's golden complexion. "No, I
have not shared myself like this." 
        For some reason that knowledge gave Ry'al more
satisfaction than he cared to examine at the moment. A surge of
protectiveness and possessiveness swept through him as he smiled
down at the younger man. The warrior gently kissed the Sularian
before tipping the dark head back while turning serious as he
studied hazel eyes.
        "If I do anything that hurts you or you just don't like, I
want you to make me a promise," Ry'al demanded. "I want you to
tell me so I can stop, all right?"
        An amused look flittered over the prince's eyes. "I know
you would not do anything to hurt me."
        "Promise me, or I'll stop this here and now," Ry'al swore.
        The younger man rubbed up against the warrior, his intent
and need clear as it pressed firmly against Ry'al's.
        "I promise," the prince whispered, his hands sliding down
to the leather belt that held the mercenary's trousers around his
his hips. 
        The Sularian then tugged at the drawstring binding the
material until it loosened and fell to a heap on the floor. Ry'al
stepped out of them as the prince's hands explored the contours
and dips of the newly exposed flesh. The mercenary felt fingertips
dancing over the sensitive skin of his hips, around behind to
caress his curved buttocks and back of his thighs. It took more
control than he knew he had for the soldier to step back far
enough and nod towards the bed that awaited them.
        With efficient grace, Thalus climbed into the plush,
silken bed. Ry'al watched the lissome form as it seemed to spread
out before him. Each line and curve seemed to beckon his touch,
calling out to be cherrished and adored like a treasured jewel.
Ry'al planned on paying homage to each inch with the reverance it
was due.
        Climbing on to lay down beside the younger man, Ry'al began
to dilligently map out each and every dip and hollow, fingertips
learning every detail. The back of his hand brushed back and
forth on the younger man, tracing a path from his chest, down his
ribs, and over a slender hip. The warrior felt a thrill run
through him when Thalus shivered and moaned everso softly.
        Encouraged, Ry'al began relearning the areas his hands had
explored with his mouth. Airy kisses were scattered over the
prince's smooth, hairless chest. The mercenary took time to
thoroughly torment each dusky nipple until it was so erect he knew
it had to be painful, then he gently lapped at the buds with the
tip of his tongue.  The young prince writhed against him, long
fingers curling tightly in his hair and scrapping along his back
and urging him along.
        Ry'al moved from the tender nubs down the Thalus's ribs,
taking delight as the prince squirmed and chuckled. He then took
his time and eased his way down the prince's flat stomach, Ry'al
swirling his tongue into the prince's navel and drawing closer
and closer to the younger man's firmness. Strong hands on his
shoulders kept encouraging Ry'al further down.
        While the mercenary enjoyed the fact the prince was
enthusiastic and responsive, he felt the younger man was moving
too fast if they wanted to make the most of the night. Capture
Thalus's hands, Ry'al linked their fingers and stretched until
their arms were above the young man's head and held them there.
Then moving up until each inch of their bodies connected, Ry'al
devoured the young prince's mouth while he slid their bodies
together.
        Both men found themselves moaning as the friction
between them started growing hotter and more intense. Flesh
slid against flesh, Ry'al feeling the younger man's hard arousal
pressed against his own sending shivers through both of them.
Thalus quivered under him, the growing need so evident on the
younger man's face, held within his eyes. They besceeched him,
but still Ry'al continued to thrust against the slender body as
he drove himself and the prince closer towards the edge.
        Ry'al gave up the prince's lips to nip and suckle the
tender skin of his throat. The younger man tried to pry his
hands out of captivity, but the mercenary held them steady.
        "You want this, don't you, Little One?" Ry'al demanded
between gentle bites.
        Thalus moaned. "Yes, I want this."
        Ry'al growled into the prince's throat. "I know you do,
I can feel it. You feels so good, so right. So beautiful..." His
words trailed off, Ry'al knowing that the verbal did no justice
to the course of emotions running through him. The words seemed
so inadequate and imperfect for something so precious. 
        "Ry'al, please, I need...need more," Thalus whispered
hotly against his cheek.
        "Do you want my mouth on you, Ki'yori?" Ry'al asked in a
raspy voice.
        "By the Sacred Creator, yes!" Thalus pleaded.
        The mercenary couldn't help but feel excited by the
fact he had the younger man in such a state of fevor, the prince
had not even recognised the endearment he'd just been called.
Sliding down along the lean body once more, Ry'al made his way
back to slim thighs and the full, dusky member standing proudly
from their center. The engouged head was nearly the same purple
hue as the spots on Thalus's ears, and the narrow slit leaking
copiously, glistening with need.
        Ry'al's were held on the liquid offering as he edged
closer and licked his lips in anticipation. The mercenary's
tongue flittered out to dab across the head of the prince's
length. Thalus moaned and writhed against the coverlets, digging
his fingers into the soft material as Ry'al continued feasting
from him.
        Ry'al swirled his tongue around the crown, the sounds
of Thalus's helpless moans driving him on. Ry'al intimately and
attentively ran his tongue across the thickly veined length that
was flushed from heat and desire, lifting and seeking the heat of
the mercenary's mouth, twitching against his lips.
        "Please, Ry'al, please..." 
        Ry'al found himself loving the breathless voice the price
got when he became needy, the sound was intoxicating and
something he wasn't able to resist. Opening his mouth wider, he
drew the rigid length past his  lips until he felt it near the
back of his throat.  The older soldier started sucking gently,
letting his teeth graze against satin-smooth skin and felt his
blood heating  up when he heard soft moans rumbling from his
lover's chest. As he continued to suckle, using his tongue and
cheeks to bring the most pleasure, a free hand slipped down to
cup tightly drawn testicles. Able fingers teased and rolled the
firm sac, occationally slipping down to taunt the crevice
seperating the two firm half-spheres of the younger man's rear. 
        Fingers dug into his hair, scrapping against his scalp
as Ry'al held the slender hips steady with a firm hand. Relaxing
his throat, he took the prince in even farther. The mercenary
sped up the rythm as he pulled small murmurings and inarticulate
cries from the prince's throat. The dark head was arched back
but not so much so that the older man couldn't see the pleasure
and desire illuminating in hazel eyes. Eyes that were so
trusting, so giving. Never had he held another lover who seemed
more vulernable and open to him. 
        Ry'al released the steeled erection and pressed his lips
against a sandy thigh. "My Ki'yori, my precious Ki'yori," he
murmered into the soft skin. 
        "Don't stop, Ry'al," Thalus implored. 
        Gentle hands cupped the mercenary's face as he was
slowly drawn up to have his lips covered in a deep, lingering
kiss.
        "I want to share everything with you tonight," the
prince confided softly against his ear. 
        "Everything?" Ry'al asked doubtfully. "But you've
never..."
        "I want to, with you," Thalus stated.
        Ry'al knew the prince wanted his words to come out
sounding certain and sure, but fear of the unfamiliar couldn't
be hid and the younger man's voice trembled slightly. The
soldier opened his mouth to protest when a finger was placed
over it to silence him.
        "I remember the promise I made when we started," Thalus
assured him. "Now know this, I have not wanted anything more
that I can ever recall. I want you, all of you, tonight." Hazel
eyes flecked with gold and amber searched his. "Don't deny me
this."
        Ry'al took a deep and stabilizing breath. The fingers
of his free hand threaded through the prince's ebony hair. "As
though I could deny you anything, Little One."
        They kissed softly, reverantly. Outside sounds of
music and celebratory fireworks were brought up by the night wind.
Ry'al spent several moments simply stealing kisses from the
prince's wanton mouth and relishing the feel of the slender body
under his, contemplating what the younger man wanted. How, after
tonight, was he ever going to be able to wake up and leave this
passionate, mesmerizing man-child's arms? He had been trained to
defend, to fight, but there was no way to fight this or defend his
heart. He knew the prince would own it by morning, as he already
owned it.       
        "Do you have any salve or oil?" Ry'al asked huskily.
        Thalus tilted his dark head towards the stand near his bed.
"Over there," he said shyly. "I still have the salve I had used on
you after the attack by the thieves." 
        Ry'al had to smile as he thought about how tenderly Thalus
had cared for him and his injuries. Because of his occupation, he
had never had someone to care for him in such a manner, had not
allowed anyone close enough to care for him. It had been nice to
be able to let himself go and put himself into the care of someone
else's hands for a change. 
        Reaching across, Ry'al opened the wooden drawer and
searched the contents until he found the small glass jar he
needed. Sitting back on his knees, the soldier opening it up and
scooped out some of the balm and reached out to the prince. Gently
Ry'al slid his finger between the crease of his young lover's rear
and pushed against the small muscular opening.
        Thalus moaned as Ry'al bent his head down to suckle his
nipples. His finger pressed harder until he barely entered the
younger man. 
        "We'll take this easy, Ki'yori, remember to tell me to stop
if it gets to be too much," Ry'al murmered a reminder as he gently
took the nipple between his teeth and tugged.
        "Don't stop, I want this so much," Thalus encouraged in
assurance.
        "So do I, Ki'yori, so do I," Ry'al affirmed, nuzzling the
soft skin of the prince's stomach as he breached the muscled
enterence even further until his entire finger was inside his
lover.
        The younger man moaned, hands sliding down his own body to
stroke his chest and tease his own nipples as Ry'al started
pumping his finger inside the impossibly tight channel. He watched
the prince bite and suck his bottom lip in an effort to quiet
himself.
        "How does it feel, Little One?" Ry'al whispered, twisting
slightly as he pumped.
        "It doesn't hurt," the prince said with certainty. "It
feels...different...but doesn't it doensn't hurt."
        Ry'al chuckled as he leaned forward to kiss and suckled
swollen lips. "Just wait, I promise it'll get even better."
        With that, he pushed his finger in even further until he
found that one center spot, the pleasure point he knew was there.
Stroking it, Ry'al felt the prince shudder and his eyes roll back
as a deep moan escaped him.
        "Oh sweet Saints!" Thalus cried out, his body arching up
and off the bed.
        Ry'al took this moment to add a second finger. With tender
care, he set upon the task of working the tight channel. Easing
them in and out, the mercenary scissored his fingers, spreading
the prince open slowly. With control that came from years of
military training, Ry'al patiently and dilligently waited until
he felt the tenseness in his lover's body ease and the muscle
slacken. He watched as the younger man's body eagerly accepted his
carresses and clentched around him in demand for more.
        The mercenary kept up the steady rythm, slowly speeding
up when the prince's body cued him it was all right to do so.
His younger lover relaxed more and more, spreading his legs and
pulling his knees back to his chest. Ry'al wrapped his fingers
around Thalus's manhood, stroking the ruddy length in time to
the tempo of his other hand.
        Ry'al became absorbed in watching his juberant
lover. Thalus's dark hair flung around his head exposing the
purple spots on his ears which were turning a deep plumb, hazel
eyes dancing with desire, the golden body glistening from a
fine sheen of perspiration. In the name of the Sacred Creator,
Ry'al had never seen anything more beautiful in his life. Ry'al
heard growling, but he wasn't sure from whom it was coming
from, him or his prince.
        "Want you in me, now," Thalus said in a voice that all
but commanded it.
        Ry'al stopped the motions of his hands, which caused a
plaintive groan from the prince. He ran his hands up and down 
the younger man's body in wide sweeping movements in an attempt
to soothe the tumultuous storm of emotions sweeping between
both of them. He wanted this night to linger as much as it could.
        "Easy, my eager one," Ry'al said in a quiet,calming voice
that didn't match his pounding heart.
        Thalus took in a shaky breath and nodded his head. Ry'al
watched as the prince's eyes followed his own hands as he
reached for more of the salve. In slow, sure strokes, Ry'al
covered his own aching, rigid shaft until it was completely
covered in the salve. The mercenary then moved closer between
the prince's parted legs, lifting the younger lover's thighs
until they were over his. Gently he pressed forward until he
was at the threshold of the prince's  body. 
        Watching his lover's eyes intensely for permission,
Ry'al waited until the saw the certainty, the prince wrapping
his arms around him and pulling him forward. With the shallowest
breathes to fill his lungs, Ry'al tentatively pushed forward
until his body was joined with Thalus. 
        The prince cried out at the union and Ry'al immediately
stopped. He had barely entered the younger man, but the prince
was so impossibly tight. He forced himself to hold still until
his young lover grew accustomed to his presence. The mercenary's
arms trembled as he held his weight on them, his breathing
coming in short pants while he covered the young Sularian's
throat in comforting kisses.
        "Don't hold back," the prince said in a strained voice.
        "D...Don't want to hurt you," Ry'al managed, the tight
constriction and the incredible heat was cutting his cognative
ability more sharply than a dagger through dwarf wolf hide. He
shut his eyes and forced himself to slow his breathing. 
        Before he knew what was going to happen, Ry'al felt his
hips being grabbed and himself pulled down and into the prince
full hilt. Suddenly he was completely sheathed by the torrid,
strained muscled tunnel.Gasping in surprise, he tried to pull
hismelf free but the thin and musclular arms of the young prince
held tight, wrapping long legs around his hips until he stopped
fighting and slowly sank as deeply into his young lover as
possible.
        "Saints, Thalus!" Ry'al cried out, his teeth gnashing as
he burried his face into the other male's shoulder. "I wanted to
take it slow, didn't want to hurt you."
        The prince grapsed his face firmly between two hands
and forced the warrior to look into his flushed face. "And I
didn't want to prolong our joining."
        Ry'al moved his hips tentively. "Are you all right?"
        Thalus graced him with a sweet, warm smile. "Better than
all right. I can't even begin to explain the feelings."
        Slowly Ry'al pulled himself back slightly, then rocked
back into the prince, Thalus rocking his hips to meet him. The
pace began slow and steady, Ry'al burying himself within the
welcoming depths as the prince greeted each movement with joyous
abandon. 
        Ry'al, still attentive and cautious, started to speed up
slightly as Thalus followed his movements measure for measure.
The mercenary drove into his lover faster and faster as their
moans growed louder, tumultuous. Ry'al found himself drowning
in the heated passion fusing them as one, their bodies sliding
against each other with purpose. Each touch of Thalus's hands
brushing his skin felt scalding, as though branding him with
their desire. It nearly matched the rising ball of sweet fire
building deep inside his gut and spreading outwards like
tendrils until his whole body felt tingling and alive with a
bone deep longing that couldn't be quenched. 
        Never with another lover had Ry'al ever wanted to
totally sumerge himself so deeply, lose himself forever in the
embrace that promised comfort and love. Yet he couldn't seem to 
get enough of the young prince. Even joined as one, it didn't
seem to be enough, to do justice to stark desire that filled
him to the core. With the desire though, he also recognised an
almost paralysing fear...the fear that came with the knowledge
that this young man already had such a hold over him, controled
him so completely. What spell had this young sorcerer-prince
used to bewitch him? Ry'al did not know, he only feared that
there was no cure...or worse yet, that there was one.
        "Ry'al," Thalus bemoaned. "Please...please..."
        "What, my Ki'yori? What do you need? Tell me and I'll
give it to you," Ry'al growled urgently against the prince's
lips. 
        "Need more...more of you...all of you," Thalus responded
fervently. 
        Ry'al's eyes searched the prince's, understanding coming
to light of what the younger man didn't lay voice to. Knowing
the decision was Ry'al's, the warrior took one of the prince's
hands and placed it at his temple, the other one holding Thalus's
hand against his chest, against his heart. It would be the link
that would open the mind-merging and would complete the joining
their bodies had already begun.
        Closing his eyes, the breaths filling his lungs almost
non-existant, Ry'al let the blue-white energy pouring from the
young Sularian seek him out. The Talogian opened his mind,
lowered his defenses, and let the warm energy flow like molten
lava that soothed his nerves as it creeped and twined through
his body until it finally reached his mind and his heart.
        The first time Ry'al had let the young man have such an
intimate connection with him, he had been injured and in
incredible pain. The prince's presence inside him, touching him
in a way no other could, filled him with a warm and gentle
comfort, making him feel safely secured and cared for and as
though the outside world could not touch him, could not touch
them. It had allowed his body time to properly rest and heal.
        Now as they touched, it was so much different. The
white enegry flashed in a briliant explosion, pulsed hot and
furious with a raging need. Suddenly he could see himself
through the prince's eyes, strong and capable, filling him with
such rippling pleasure that he quivered and ached from the need
of fulfillment. He had never seen himself as beautiful,
confident, passionate, yet so gentle. Yet that was how he
appeared through the prince's eyes. 
        So many conflicting thoughts and images poured into him,
the prince sheilding nothing. Ry'al could feel everything from
the passion of the moment to other more intangible feelings. He
abruptly could sense the prince's desire to make his father
proud, to serve those in his kindom with wisdom, along with his
fears that he could never achieve what his father already had.
He knew of the prince's longing to have known his mother more,
the guilt and grief he felt for her death in childbirth with
him. Absolutly nothing was withheld from the mercenary. Above all
else, he could feel the overwhelming and frighteningly intense
love the prince felt...for him. It was amazing, but the prince
was as frightened of his own feelings as Ry'al was where the
young Sularian was concerned.
        Ry'al focused on the love, grabbing at it as he would a
lifeline, and opened himself up to the prince. He let his own
thoughts and emotions flow like a stream back towards the
prince, including the love he felt for the prince, embracing
it and reflecting it back twofold, trying to drown out any fear
the prince had, trying soothe past hurts until the prince could
no longer remember them. He wanted his young lover to only know
love, peace, and happiness, to erase any ugliness that might
mar such a bright spirit.
        Their bodies continued to unite on physical, Ry'al
driving his young lover closer and closer to the fringes of
control with each thrusting movement. The combined weight of
their bodies pushed Thalus deep into the matress, the prince's
arms and legs gripping like a vice around the older Talogian's
hips and shoulders.
        As they continued the mind-link, Ry'al could feel his
younger lover's tension, knew that he was racing headlong
towards the abyss and would tumble in moments. The mercenary
changed the angle of his strokes and his speed in order to
distract his lover as well as himself from the edge they were
standing on, teasing Thalus back from it. 
        Ry'al wrapped his arms around the prince and sat up
until the younger man was spread across his thighs. Hands
sliding down to take a hold of Thalus's rear, Ry'al moved him
up and down on his rigid length, urging him on. Thalus took his
weight on his knees and slowly began riding Ry'al, the
mind-link allowing Ry'al to feel each thrust of their union.
Impossibly dark eyes held Ry'al's captive. 
        "Ki'yori,Ki'yori," Ry'al bemoaned against the prince's
throat. Thalus's answering moan was swallowed up in a consuming
kiss. 
        Their bodies continued to join, Ry'al riding the waves
of desire he felt flowing from the prince. The heat and and
friction became almost unbearable as beads of sweat rolled down
their bodies, glistening over each plane of hard muscle as they
worked in concert to drive the other one even closer to the
brink. 
        "Ry'al, I-I don't think..."
        "Don't fight it, Little One, don't fight it," Ry'al
urged, his face rubbing against the prince's cheek, their
mouths so close that each was taking the other's breath. 
        Lips trailed a line of fire in it's wake as the prince
kissed the mercenary's neck hungrily. Ry'al could feel the
surging need, the driving force that was demanding completion.
He recognised that same force pouring from the prince. 
        The prince cried out, fingers digging so hard into the
mercenary that Ry'al knew he had to be drawing blood. The
feeling of pain and pleasure mingled until one was
unidentifiable from the other. 
        One hand plunged through the prince's hair, holding the
the dark head imobile while Ry'al's free hand seized the
prince's rear, pulling him so tight against his chest that the
prince's sex was trapped between their stomachs. 
        The sensations were all too much to fight against as
Ry'al felt the begining of the prince's defeat over the battle.
His mouth clamped onto Thalus's and didn't let go as he felt
the deep spasming ache breaking free from the younger man. The
prince's muscles began to twitch and shudder, Ry'al hearing the
Sularian calling out to him from deep within his mind. The
mercenary clung to the mental link with as much force as he did
the prince's physical body, reassuring his young lover on both
levels that he was safe to let himself go over the brink.
        Thalus ripped his mouth free from the mercenary, arching
his back as he cried aloud, Ry'al's name on his lips. The
soldier felt the sweet surrender ripping like a tidalwave
through the prince's body, the younger man allowing every
sensation to touch Ry'al's mind and senses. The blinding wave
of pure bliss swept through Ry'al, and felt every bit as intense
as if it were his own. He felt as though he were flying and
falling at the same time, spiraling heedlessly over the chasm
himself. From somewhere on this side of reality, Ry'al could
feel the scalding seed of his lover coating their stomachs as
his own liquid essence was released and accepted into his
lover's body, his sex quivering as it emptied.
        As the cloak of satifaction lifted, Ry'al came back to
hear himself murmering soft nonsense words in Thalus's ear as
he held the young man in an iron grip against his chest. His
hand brushed sweat soaked hair back and away from the prince's
face as heaving breaths filled the younger man's chest. With
tender care, he disentangled their arms and legs. Gather the
prince to him, his growingly flacid sex still within his young
lover, he laid both of the down on the bed. 
        Looking down into a dazed, sated face, Ry'al peppered
that face with soft kisses before reaching down and covering
them with the silken coverlet. Outside the evening wind blew in
around them, the final reminente of the night's celebration
dwindled in the distance. Muscles spent, Ry'al could not do
much more than hold the slender body of the man who had come to
mean so much to him against his own, burrying his nose in the
soft dark hair fanned across the pillow. 
        Slowly he felt himself being expelled from the young
Sularian's body, and as the prince drifted off to sleep he felt
the last strands of the link that had held them so closely
together pull away and retreated back to his young lover,
severing the connection. The mercenary gulped and swallowed a
sob building deep in his throat at the immense loss of that
mental link. Settling around him like a heavy, cumbersome,
cloak, lonliness found him and swallowed him into a dark void
that had never seemed so deep as it did on this night. If he
had been on his feet, the enormous solitude would have drove him
to his knees. How would he ever be able to face the morning? He
turned his face and burried it the soft pillow next to the prince's
head. 
        The hours passed restlessly for Ry'al, not even the
sound of the Sularian's heart beating could lull him to sleep
even though he felt so weary. He found himself tormented by
images, images of happiness that could be had with the younger
man in his arms, of the years of loving they could have, images
of the lovemaking they had shared during the night being theirs
to have every night. The images tormented and taunted him
because the warrior knew them for what they were...wistful
fantasies unable to become a reality. No matter how he played
out various scenarios, he just couldn't fathom a way they could
possibly be together. 
        Eventually the moon gave up her reign, unthrowned by
the ungiving morning sun. Knowing he had no other option, Ry'al
knew he had to leave and knew he had to do so before the
prince  awoke. There was no way he was going to be able to bare
the look of hurt and betrayal storming in those dark eyes when
the prince was reminded that last night could be all they could
ever share.
        Untangling the sleep-warm body pressed into his, Ry'al
gingerly rose from bed and quietly washed off the last of
the evidence of their night together. Dressed himself in the
clothes he had worn the night previous. Holding them to his
nose, he could smell the prince's scent in them from when he'd
held the younger man. Ry'al quietly went to his own chambers and
packed his satchel before being drawn back to the prince's.
        The Talogian gave a last lingering look at the
large bed where the prince still rested. The younger man was
sound asleep and snuggled deep within the blankets and pillows.
He was softly snoring and looking so relaxed and peaceful. A
long fingers reached out to the spot where Ry'al had been
sleeping. Full lips turned down into a small pout when he didn't
find anything next to him besides a pillow he pulled against him.
        Closing the distance between himself and the bed, Ry'al
moved until he was standing beside the slumbering younger man.
Bringing up a finger, he everso gently traced the full lips and
brushed against the younger man's soft cheek before laying a
gentle, tender, and lingering kiss against the Sularian's  lips.
        "No matter how many moons come and go, I promise I won't
forget last night, no  matter what happens," Ry'al vowed in
whispered voice, his tongue sticking to the roof of his mouth
as he swallowed the opressive lump forming at the base of his
throat. 
         Hefting the bag over his shoulder, the mercenary
turned away and refused to give a look back as he strode
purposefully out of the room and down the corridor leading out
of the castle. Then wandering into the stables, the soldier
found Zandra, the same sable coated mare who had been his
other companion on his journey for the Dethmus gem.
        "Hello, my sweet girl," he greeted her, holding out an
apple. 
        The horse snorted, investigated the apple with her
muzzle, then finally ate the offering. Saddling her up, Ry'al
climbed onto the mare's back, only to find her reluctant to
leave her sanctuary.
        "Come on, Girl, we've got plenty of miles to put under
us while the sun is still shining," he insisted, digging his
leather boots into her sides slightly to urge her on. Finally
after a discontented whinny and a shake of her mane, she began
moving for him.

                                ***
                                ***

        Thalus felt a deep, cold ache slowly creep into his
conciousness. Frowning slightly, he reached out for the warmth
of his lover next to him, longing to wrap up in the mercenary's
embrace. When his hand landed on the empty imprint still in the
mattress, the prince's frown deepened. Opening up sleep-bleary
eyes, the Sularian looked around for his wayward lover. 
        "Ry'al?" he called out.
        As he sat up and slipped on a short red robe of satin,
Thalus tried not to let the cold chill that had awoken him
settle around his heart. The stones making up the floor seemed
frigid against the prince's bare feet as he made his way down
the corridor to what had been the warrior's chambers. Briefly
Thalus thought about how his tossled, well-loved appearence
would look to any of care takers of the castle not to mention
his father, but it didn't concern him more at the moment than
trying to find Ry'al. 
        Opening the chamber doors, it took only a moment of
looking around to realize what he had feared had come to light.
The last threads of hope seemed to snap as his heart fell.
There was no sign of any of the warrior's clothing, weapons, or
satchel. In fact the room seemed to be devoid of any evidence
that the soldier had ever been there to begin with. Unable to
bare looking at the emptiness, Thalus turned away and returned
to his own chambers.
        "What had you thought would happen?" the prince chided
himself aloud as he began to dress. 
        He had known last night that the Talogian would only be
willing to share a night with him. Had he thought he would be
able to change the older man's mind just because he had
professed his feelings? The monarch had known better than that,
or so he had told himself. Yet the stark reality of finding his
bed empty made him realize that he had indeed held some hope
that somehow Ry'al would have changed his mind and found someway
for them to remain together. The aching in his chest deepened
unyeildingly.   
        "There must be a solution," Thalus muttered to himself,
pulling on his leather boots. 
        But where could he turn? His father? No, not yet. He felt
the timing wasn't right at the moment for that. But then
who...? With sudden clairty, the young prince knew where he
could seek the answers.
        With care to remain unseen, Thalus made his way to the
lowest level of the castle where the catacombs were located. A
torch led his way through the murky darkness of the twisting
and winding passageways that branched off in all directions.
Cobwebs caught in his hair and he shook his head to get it out.
         He remembered as a child how the catacombs had
frightened him. The darkness, the narrow walkways, the fact he
had been surrounded by his deceased ancestors...it had
completely unnerved him. He would never have come down here if
Tridal had not insisted upon it.Now, years later it had become a
sanctuary to the prince. A place of peace and solitude he had
come to find as soothing.
        Sliding the torch into the brace attached to the wall,
Thalus stood back as wall in front of him gave way, revealing a
wooden door from behind it. Opening it up, the prince stepped
into a room that only one other besides himself knew existed. If
any other knew of it's existence, Thalus was not aware of it.
        The room itself was anything but ornate. It was
aproximately the same size of the prince's bedchambers. Along
three walls were bookshelves linded with leatherbound novels so
old and dusty the titles on the bindings could barely be made
out - all except one bookshelve along the furthest wall. Those
shelves held glass bottles and clay pots of various shapes,
sizes, and colors. In the middle of the floor stood a poteum with
large black leather book spread open on top of it with a bottle
of ink and a quill next to it - the spellbook being the very
same one Thalus had trained from. Along the last wall there was
an oak table with a statue of the Divine One surrounded by
candles burning brightly and an offering bowel that Thalus
placed fresh orange slices in. 
        The prince used the flame of one of the candles to light
several sticks of incense. The sweet aroma of the incense and
orange slices mixed with the more musty, stagant air of the
catacombes. The scent reminded him so much of his beloved Master
who had taught him so much throughout his boyhood. He still
missed Tridal so much, especially at times like these.
        Facing the altar, Thalus knelt on a small dark velvet
pillow, closed his eyes and laid his hands palm up on his
thighs. Freeing his mind of all thought and concern, the young
prince slowly slipped into a peaceful meditative state just as
Tridal had shown him. 
        In his mind, Thalus journeyed to a clearing in the woods
near the castle grounds. It was a place the prince had played
at often as a small boy and served as a sacred place in his mind
where his spirit could be at rest and at one with everything
around him. The bright sun filtered down through a canapy of
trees all around the clearing. The air was crisp and smelled of
jasmine that was in blooming season and blew gentely against
his skin. Above him, Thalus could hear the sound of birds
fluttering from branch to branch in the tree tops while behind
him the sounds of the small brook he liked to fish in babbled
gentely along it's course. Off to one side the woods led into a
darker, thicker region of the forest and to his other side
stood the mouth of a cave he often would take refuge in during
sudden summer storms.
        There came a rustling from the denser part of the forest.
Thalus knew it was neither the wind nor an animal disturbing the
folliage. Turning, he peered into the darkness and waited until
the rustling grew more pronounced.
        "Who is there?" he called out.
        Watching without breathing, Thalus didn't take his eyes
off of the clearing in the trees as an old man appeared,
penitraiting the darkness as he approached closer. Sunlight
glinted off of hair the shade of fine silver which hung like a
curtain around the old man's face. Fine lines of age etched a 
face of Sularian hertiage, but that and the shade of his hair
was the only hint of the man's age. His body was as toned and
honed as Thalus's own, of that the prince had little doubt from
the times they had trained together. Disconcerning brown eyes
peered into those of the prince's as the older man used an
intricantly carved wooden staff to clear his path. 
        "Tridal!" Thalus exclaimed with glee much like a child.
        When the older man smiled and held his arms open, it
took only a moment of hesitation before the prince litterally
flung himself at his Master. The older sorcerer simply chuckled
and wrapped the prince up in a tight hug. 
        "Such a greeting I have not known since you were but a
lad," Tridal said, stroking a hand over the young man's back.
        Thalus burried his face in his Master's shoulder. "I
have missed you so much, more than you know."
        The magician placed his palm against his student's
cheek and brought the boy's face up. "As I have missed you, dear
boy."
        "You have come to me in my dreams, but I didn't know if
I could seek you out," Thalus explained, reluctant to break the
comforting hug.
        Tridal smiled indulgently. "The ties that bind us are
strong ones. It would take more than being in two different
worlds to break them."
        "I should have known that," Thalus admitted sheepishly.
        Tridal looked deeply into the sovereign's eyes. "You
always have...here," he said quietly, placing one palm against
the prince's heart.
        The prince felt his cheeks heat up. "I suppose I
did, but I guess I needed to hear you say it."
        Tridal closed his eyes and thought how some things never
changed. Ever since he knew the lad, Thalus had always been a
boy that craved affection and approval, especially from the two
men in his life...his father and Tridal himself. Tridal had
hoped that as Thalus aged, the need for validation would
deminish, but it had not. It was no hardship to bare though, as
Tridal was quite contented to give the young man what he
sought, even now when words seperated them. 
        "My affection for you has never waivered, nor will it,"
Tridal assured the younger man. 
        The prince's smile faltered and he cast his eyes
downward. "I don't know if you'll feel the same way after what
has happened, Master."
        Tridal took the younger Sularian's hand and led
him to a fallen log where they could both sit. Obidently, Thalus
took a seat next to him. A thumb lightly brushed over the boy's
wrist was all it took for Tridal to feel just how nervous the
prince was. 
        "Does this have anything to do with the Talogian male
you gave youself to?" Tridal asked calmly.
        Dark brown eyes grew wide. "How did you...?" The prince
stopped and looked down towards the ground. "I never could hide
anything from you before, why should now be any different?"
        Tridal took the prince's hand and tipped his chin up
until their eyes met. "Your's has always been an easy heart to
know. The light of your honest nature does not allow for shadows
to dwell, thus all is there to be seen and shared with one who
can read it."
        "Then you know that I love him," Thalus said so quietly
that it was nearly lost in the wind.
        "I do," Tridal confirmed, keeping his voice as detached
as he could.
        "Then what should I do?" Thalus asked. "There just
doesn't seem like there's a way we can be together."
        "There is always another way," Tridal stated quietly.
"Perhaps the intensity of your emotions are currently blinding
you to the possibilites."
        "I can't help it," the prince stated. "He means so much
to me, yet I can't ask him to change his life's path to suit
mine..."
        "But your paths have already crossed," Tridal reminded
him gentely. He studied the boy's face intesenly for a moment
and seen something unspoken within the prince's eyes and
frowned. "He does not know you are bondmates now, does he?"
        The prince's face paled and he hung his head
shamefully. "I could not bare to tell him."
        "And why not? Why would you keep something so important
from someone you care so much for?" Tridal knew the answer, but
wanted to hear it from the prince himself.
        Thalus spoke in a whispered voice. "I would rather have
the one night we were granted and live the rest of my life
alone than never to have shared that with him."
        Tridal nodded his head knowingly. "You still must let
him know, you realize that, don't you?"
        Thalus snorted. "And what would that accomplish besides
more pain?" The prince ran a hand through his disheveled hair.
"He's a mercenary, a soldier for hire. It's what he is. He's
not going to be willing to give that part of himself up to be
with me. Telling him we're bonded would only create more
suffering."
        "And do you not think he is suffering now? Do you truly
believe he does not feel the bond as keenly as you do? Yet he
does not have the advantage of knowing the pain for what it
is," Tridal explained to him. The sorcerer let the back of his
fingers graze against the young prince's cheek. "I will tell you
no further of what needs to be done. Your heart already knows
what path it must choose. It will be up to you to find the
strength to follow it."
        "Master..."
        Tridal stopped the boy with a finger laid to his lips.
"I will tell you however you must make haste if you wish your
bondmate to survive. He is in much danger."
        "Danger? Ry'al is in trouble?" 
        Tridal nodded. "It has not arrived yet, but is on the
horizon. There is still time if you act quickly."
        Both men rose and Thalus clasped Tridal to him once
more in a firm embrace.
        "I love you, Master," Thalus whispered fiercely into the
older man's hair.
        "And I love you," Tridal whispered back to his pupil.
        The body Thalus clutched to him slowly began to turn
into a fine mist that disappeared into the air around him. He
wanted to call out to his master, but knew he didn't need to.
The older sorcerer would always be but a whisper away if needed.
Instead, Thalus decided to focus his attentions on the danger
Ry'al would be facing. He only hoped he could get to his
bondmate in time.
                                *** 
                                ***

         
        The warrior led the horse on for most of the morning,
wanting to put as much distance between himself and Sularian
kingdom as he could before nightfall. Finally though, an empty
stomach and a tiring steed demanded that he stop and rest awhile
before journeying on. He had been following the course of a
river for several hours and decided to stop along it's banks,
the nearby trees offering suitble shade.  
        Hitching the horse, who munched happily on the
oats in her feedbag, to one of the tree, Ry'al dug into his
satchel to produce half a loaf of bread, some dried venison
strips, and a gord of wine. He decided it'd do to fill his
protesting stomach. 
        When he and Zandra both had their bellies full, Ry'al
removed the feedsack from the horse and cleaned up the
reminants of his own dinner. Stripping off his jerkin, the
mercenary decided he'd cool off by taking a swim. Though the
water was cool and refreshing, it didn't bring Ry'al any
pleasure. As he dove and did laps, letting the late day sun
warm his chilled skin, Ry'al couldn't help but remember the last
time he had went swimming, though then he'd shared the lake
with Thalus. They had swam like two boys, with complete
abandonment and lost in the moment. 
        The mercenary closed his eyes and floated on his back
and sighed. By the Saints, was it always going to be like this?
Was he forever going to be tormented by the memories of the
prince who still held his heart? Maybe that was going to be his
punishment, he thought to himself. For all of his past sins,
perhaps his purgatory was to lose his heart for the rest of his
days. 
        Images from the previous night skipped though his mind,
the feel the prince in his arms, the sweet taste of his kisses,
the moment their minds touched. Ry'al wondered that instead of
purgatory he maybe not have been given a taste of heaven itself.
A reward instead of a punishment. He just wished for the aching
in his chest would subside, for it was constant and unrelenting.
Maybe it would abade in sleep, he decided and climbed out and
onto the lake's banks. Folding his shirt under his head, he let
sleep claim him. 
        A sound teased at Ry'al's consciousness, nagging at him
annoyingly like a horsefly around his ears or a spider running
across his skin. Opening an eye, he realized what the sound
was...his horse was whinning and thrashing her head about,
hooves stomping at the ground. Ry'al thought to call out to the
horse, but then instinct made him think better of it. Without
making a noise, Ry'al reached across his chest and was going to
try and  lunge for his sword when he felt the cool tip of a
sharp blade pressed against his throat.
        "Ah, ah, ah, I don't think so," came a low pitched voice.
        Turning his head, mindful of the blade, Ry'al looked to
see who held the sword above his neck. The man looked to be a
Tallogian by skin coloring. The blond hair the man had was much
longer than Ry'al's own and his face was scarred across one
cheek, obviously from a battle long ago.
        "May I ask who it is that holds my life in their
hands?" Ry'al asked quietly, eyes still on his own weapon.
        The Tallogian laughed at that. "You will know the name
well before you die, Lamar, that you can be sure of." Pulling
the sword back, the Tallogian looked to Ry'al's sword. "Pick up
your weapon, Heathen, I will not slay an unarmed man." 
        His eyes not leaving the other man's, Ry'al reached for
his sword and slowly got to his feet. That was when he noticed
that behind the other Tallogian, there stood five more men.
There was little doubt these were Highwaymen. In fact, Ry'al
could even recognise a couple of them from the attack over a week
ago. 
        "I have nothing of value, nothing worth taking," Ry'al
assured them, not wanting to get into a confortation unless
there was no other recourse.
        "On the contrary," the Tallogian said, a sneer crossing
his face. "You have your life and that is what I wish to take
from you." Stepping closer, the Tallogian let the tip of his
blade skim down Ry'al's chest. "You see, my name is Jas Bram and
you, you killed my brother, Taz." Bram stepped even closer yet.
"And you will repay a life for a life."
        Planting his feet, the sword's handle heavy in his hand,
Ry'al spoke, "Do you think six against one is fair odds?"
        Bram smiled menevolently. "No, but it will have to
surfice."      
        From behind him, Ry'al heard a clear, strong voice.
"How about making that two?"
        Ry'al smiled broadly and swiveled around to see Thalus
imerging from the treeline, sword unsheathed and ready to fight.
        Bram merely shrugged at the intruder. "Have it your
way, even though this fight isn't with you. The blood of two
spills as easily as that of one."
        "Thalus, what are you doing here?" Ry'al demanded. "You
shouldn't have come."
        The prince smiled wickedly and winked. "I thought you
could use the help." 
        "Enough talk!" Bram growled out. 
        "You still have time to reconsider," Thalus commented,
hand sliding along the metal of his sword for a tight grip.
        "No, I am anxious to bring this pig's head to my
brother's family," Bram spoke, raising a hand in guesture to
his men.
        Ry'al found himself with his back against Thalus's as
the group began to move in and surround them. Ry'al's eyes were
focused on Bram's, determined to fight to the death if need be
before he'd see Thalus harmed in any way.
        'Don't worry, my love, I can protect myself,' Thalus's
voice came in as clearly as the mercenary's own thoughts. 
        'I know you can, but you seem determined to test Fate's
hand,' Ry'al thought back.
        'I'll always be ready to stand by your side,' came the
whispered response.
        Ry'al watched the twitching in Bram's muscles just
seconds before the first blow was attempted. Both arms hefting
the sword up, Ry'al blocked the first assult and with a sharp
kick directly to Bram's sternum, sent the other Tallogian
sprawling back. A second man with a scraggly beard and dark
eyes came at Ry'al with a sword aimed sideways at his waist.
Thrusting the sword down towards the ground blocked that shot
and the momentem of the bearded man's rush sent him over
Ry'al's back when the mercenary bent forward and rammed the
bearded man in the stomach. 
        Metal whizzed and clashed with thunderous force. Ry'al
heard the slicing in the air right past his ear before he saw
the tip of Thalus's sword ram itself home into the shoulder of
a third man with a braid...a man who was stopped mid-motion from
bringing his sword down on Ry'al's vulnerable neck. The soldier
watched Thalus drop to the ground and roll out of the way as a
blade came down a mere inch away where it found only dirt. Feet
up in the air, Thalus tossed another of the bandits up and over
to land with a thud on his back.
        Two more men, one with black hair and one with red,
came towards Ry'al who was trying to keep one eye on his lover.
Blades were locked as Ry'al blocked both swords as they came at
him with downward swipes. The two highwaymen tried to throw
Ry'al off balance, but the mercenary stood his ground. Spinning
backwards, Ry'al managed to thrust his sword up to knock the
other weapon out of the dark headed man's hand, then rammed the
handle against the dark haired man's temple to knock him out. 
        Catching the dropped sword of the unconcious bandit,
Ry'al crossed it with his own in time to catch the downfall of
the red haired theif's sword along with blocking Bram's thrust
as he lunged foward with an enraged cry.
        Without looking, Ry'al could sense his lover's
movements. Out of the corner of an eye, he could see Thalus
dancing from foot to foot as he blocked blow after blow from
the two men who still surrounded him. Ry'al knew that the prince
would not draw blood unless it was the only option, but he
feared that might be the only course they could take at this
point.
        'What do you say, my love? Time to even this fight up a
little, shall we?' Thalus's voice penitrating Ry'al's thoughts. 
        'What do you have in mind?' Ry'al asked back, ducking
in time to avoid a blade aimed at taking his head.
        'Watch and see,' Thalus thought back.
        Ry'al then heard Thalus's voice aloud reciting an
incantation in an acient tongue he had only heard Thalus use
once before. One assalaint's eyes grew huge as suddenly with a
flash, a grand wall of bright yellow orange flames swelled up
from the ground to completely surround him. The inferno
swallowed his screams as he could find no way to escape. 
        Another invocation was softly uttered from Thalus's lips
as his eyes closed and he waved his hand. A gust of wind blew up
and thrust the second theif backwards and toppling into the
nearby lake. The sputtering man, red faced and enraged, uttered
curses a Thalus but his cries fell silent when he realized the
water he was in started to move. Slowly the water started
swirling around him. The ebbing and surging grew faster and
faster, gaining speed with every heartbeat. In the center of
the lake, an emmense spout of water grew to a funnel with the
startled theif stranded at the spout's top.
        Eyes turned to a third highwayman, the prince chanted
yet a third spell. The man with the braided hair looked
fearfully around him, wondering what would happen to him. When
a moment passed and nothing happened though, the theif regained
his courage began to lunge forward towards the prince with his
sword held high. He advanced several steps before he was
suddenly jarred to a halt. Ry'al watched as the very earth
itself rose to encase first the theif's feet, then legs, then
waist, helplessly rooting him to the spot until it reached his
throat.
        Thalus whirled around towards the two brigands standing
behind Bram. The two men looked at each other for half of a
heartbeat before dropping their swords and taking off at a run
towards the saftey of the forest. Smiling to himself, the
prince spoke another few phrases. The wind blew and the trees
russled and the prince watched as the forest trees began to
sway, then reach down to ensnare the two men in their brances.
Vines whipped down like snakes around the two theives, hanging
them upside down. They struggled futily, the vines only
tightening with each fighting effort.
        Ry'al watched, unable to do anything, as his lover
turned very pale. The thin body shook for a moment, obviously
fatigued, as the prince's knees gave out and he crumpled into a
heap on the ground. Dark eyes rolled back into Thalus's head
before eyelids fell shut. 
        Ry'al shook his head in amazment before turning to face
his sole advesary. "Shall we finish this?" he asked cooly.
        "With pleasure," Bram growled, eyes glinting with
unabated anger and hatred. 
        The two men crossed swords, as they danced around each
other's slices, parrying the other's maneuvers. Ry'al's muscles
ached and cried out with each clashing blow, swords hitting
with such force that it rattled his teeth. Bram was relentless,
seeming charged with a new engery born from vengence as Ry'al
had to block a vollying storm of blows. 
        Ry'al felt himself loosing ground, his footing moving
back with each heavy strike. To his credit, the theif was
proving to be a worthy advesary, seemingly even matched with
the mercenary in skill. Sweat dripped down off of Ry'al's
forehead and into his eyes, blearing his vision. He blocked a
downward blow only to have to block it once more as Bram moved
to thrust upwards.
        The mercenary felt his feet sliding in the loose
dirt. Without warning, Ry'al felt himself lose his balance and
falling backwards. His head bounced off the unforgiving ground,
shaking his skull and blurring his vision even more. The fall
had also caused him to lose the grip he'd had on his sword. It
fell just out of his reach by his side.
        Above him, Bram held the point of his broadsword over
his chest. Lifting it high with the intentions on peircing the
mercenary's chest, Jas Bram's eyes held Ry'al's as he prepared
to diliver the fatal blow.
        With a deep breath, Ry'al managed to roll toward the
outlaw's feet as the blade was brought down then rolled back. In
one movement, Ry'al lifted the sword and swept his foot out,
knocking the theif off balance. A loud, wounded cry peeled from
the theif's throat as he fell forward and onto the blade. Blood
bubbled up from the brigand's mouth as the weight of his body
ran the blade completely through him until he fell atop Ry'al
in a boneless heap.
        With effort, Ry'al pushed the other Tallogian off of
him. Pulling himself up to his feet, Ry'al looked apon his
fallen countryman pensively. He had not meant to kill the other
man, had no desire to spill blood, but the theif had forced his
hand. With a jerk, he pulled his sword from the other man's
stomach and sheathed it once more before turning towards the
limp heap of his lover.
        Falling to his knees, Ry'al pulled Thalus with care until
the prince's head rested on his lap. Gentely he pushed the hair
away from the younger man's pale face. 
        "Wake up, Ki'yori, it's safe now," Ry'al whispered
soothingly. "I want to see those beautiful eyes looking at me
again."
        Pulling the prince's body more fully onto his lap and
rocking the quiet form, Ry'al contented himself with just
feeling Thalus's warm presence. After a few moments hazel eyes
blinked and opened.
        "Do you mean it when you call me that?" 
                Thalus's voice was graveled and weak, but it
sounded beautiful to Ry'al's ears. 
        "When I call you what?" Ry'al asked.
        "Ki'yori," Thalus replied quietly.
        Ry'al swallowed hard. "Yes, I do," he admitted softly.
        Thalus tried to set up but was still weak, so the
mercenary had to help him until they were seated and facing
each other.
        "Then why did you leave this morning?" Thalus demanded,
accusation flaring in his eyes. "If I'm your Beloved, then why
did you not try to stay, to work something out?"
        Ry'al closed his eyes, unable to bare the hurt in
Thalus's eyes. "And just what can I offer you?"
        "How about your heart?" Thalus threw back.
        Ry'al opened his eyes and stared deeply into endlessly
dark eyes. "You already have that, you did before last night
even happened."
        Thalus took the mercenary's hand. "If that's true, then
you'd be willing to take a chance on me...on us."
        Ry'al's voice was course. "If I thought we had one,
then yes, I'd take a chance."
        A smile lit the prince's face. "What if I told you we
might just have one?"
        The soldier looked skeptically at the Sularian. "What
do you mean?"
        The prince turned serious. "I have talked with my
father," he began. "It seems the Tallogian High Counsel has sent
word to my father that they wish to appoint you as the Cheif
Embassidor and laision officer between the Sularian and Tallogian
people," Thalus explained. "And on a personal note, my father
would like you to also stay on as my personal guardian." The
prince's smile waned at Ry'al's unreadable expression.  "That is,
if that is something you would want."
        The mercenary was quiet for a moment before finally he
was no longer able to hide the smile teasing his lips. "Let me
just say I do not think your body is one I could ever tire
guarding."
        The prince's face glowed with hope. "Does that mean
you'll stay?"
        "On one condition," Ry'al stated.
        "Name it."
        "That your father will understand that in order to fully
fulfill my duty to guard you, we must share the same
bedchamber," Ry'al ordered, his eyes gleaming as he gazed at his
lover.
        Thalus blushed hotly. "I believe he is already aware of
that condition."
        "Then tell your father to send a messanger to the High
Counsel and let them know they've got a new embassidor," Ry'al
said happily, standing up and pulling the prince against him,
sealing the deal with a long, hard kiss.
        Thalus pressed his body against the mercenary, kissing
him deeply as happiness washed through him. He felt himself
picked up off the ground and swung around.
        "I love you, Ki'yori!" Ry'al called out with
exhuberance.
        Thalus hugged him tight and kissed him again. "I love
you, too," he declared.
        Setting the prince back down, Ry'al secured an arm
around the younger man's shoulders. Together they started to
walk towards Zandra, who was contentedly munching on some grass
under the tree she was teathered to.
        "So what do we do about them?" Ry'al asked motioning
towards the men still caught up in Thalus's spells as he mounted
the dark steed and held his hand out to the prince. 
        Thalus smiled wickedly. "Do not worry about them, the
spells end themselves...in another couple of hours."
        Ry'al laughed and hefted the prince up into the saddle
in front of him. Digging his heels into the mare's sides, the
horse took off at a steady clip as Ry'al headed in the
direction of King Prim's castle. A thought suddenly occured to
him as he wrapped one large arm around the prince's waist.
        "Thalus?"
        "Yes?"
        "How would your father already know we would need to
share a bedchamber?"
        Thalus swallowed and felt himself grow warm again.
Nervously he cleared his throat. "Well, it's often expected
that bondmates will share the same bed."
        Ry'al cocked an eyebrow. "Bondmates?"
        Thalus swallowed again. It seemed like it was going to
be now or never. "Yes, bondmates. You see, something happened
when we mind-merged last night. That is the reason we were able
to hear the other's thoughts and..."
        As the sun dipped low in the sky, Ry'al listened as his
lover and ruler of his heart explained the new connection that
had come to bind them together. He realized that he and Thalus's
lives would from that day on be irrefutably linked. He also
realized he would not want it any other way. Together they would
live and love until only Fate decided to seperate them, and
Ry'al was not so certain that even Fate's hand could ever part
them. 


The End