STORIES
203 - Alliance
2015
Zam Shichi Usagi
Tuesday afternoon, in Shichi and Zam's bedroom ...
ZAM:
… but you must ask her to help. Karanthir's half vampire ya know,
and Usagi knows about the undead, she being a necromancer and all.
SHICHI:
I'm aware of what she is – and don't tell anyone.
I don't know if she wants everyone to know about it.
ZAM:
Your family and their secrets! It's those secrets
that get you into trouble, ya know.
SHICHI:
Just be quiet and let me think …
ZAM:
What's there to think about? Karanthir's ill and Usagi can help him. He's a friend of yours isn't he? Not to mention what his illness is doing to Zyfan which is upsetting dear Phae too. You just have to get Usagi to fix this!
SHICHI:
I will. I just have to make sure she's in the right mood.
You know how disagreeable she can be.
Knock Knock
SHICHI:
Usagi … I wasn't expecting you.
USAGI:
It would be best if we spoke. Don't you agree?
SHICHI:
Sure. Come in.
SHICHI:
… You remember Zam?
ZAM:
Usagi, it's a pleasure to see you again. Is Washi with you too?
USAGI:
He is. Perhaps you'd like to go greet him?
ZAM:
Do you think he'd like that?
USAGI:
Now would be a good time to find out.
SHICHI:
What my sister is trying to tell you Zam is - get out.
ZAM:
Of course you two want some privacy. Silly me.
I'll just climb on down. Now where's that rope of mine?
SHICHI:
This will be faster.
ZAM:
Careful now. Don't squish me.
SHICHI:
I'm not squishing you.
ZAM:
You say that now but then you squeeze too tight. In the future, I prefer to get down on my own, I'm capable ya know. It was a pleasure seeing you Usagi. Where can I find Washi?
SHICHI:
He can wait. I think you better check on Phae.
ZAM:
The youngster? Certainly. You have a nice chat.
And 'Chi don't forget what we talked about. Bye now.
USAGI:
I cannot believe you still travel with that sea flea.
SHICHI:
And I can't believe you suggested he greet Washi. Are you trying
to get him killed? As long as you're living here - you'll be nice to Zam.
He's a pest but he's also a friend, and Phae likes him.
USAGI:
I'll agree to be polite but that is all. Really 'Chi,
to be seen with one of his kind, the lowest of sea beings …
SHICHI:
He's a powerful being.
USAGI:
I have never seen proof of his powers. Never mind him, he means nothing to me. You are the one I’ here to see. How long have you been in this realm?
SHICHI:
Not long. I was hired by Phae's godmother to escort her here.
USAGI:
For the sole purpose of getting her betrothed to Zyfan?
SHICHI:
Yes. Phae's very determined and I'm confident she'll have her way.
She'll make a great wife to the next One, in the meantime,
I'm her counsellor and personal guard.
USAGI:
Nothing more?
SHICHI:
Nothing more.
USAGI:
She is of the Forrest Clan?
SHICHI:
Yes.
USAGI:
You are working to strengthen the alliance between Zyfan's Clan and hers.
SHICHI:
I'm working for Phae. When I left home,
I left politics and court intrigues behind me.
USAGI:
Is it possible that you’re unaware that the entire Elvin realm is watching Zyfan? You are in the center of all politics and court intrigues. Mother would be proud. She could not have placed you in a more perfect position.
SHICHI:
I no longer work for Mother.
USAGI:
No. You've cut yourself off from her, our family and the entire Clan. Why?
SHICHI:
You know why.
USAGI:
Because the study of magic was forbidden to you?
For this you made yourself an outcast?
USAGI:
… Well, here we are, all these years later and you have mastered your magic. You have proven that the males of our Clan can control it. Has it never occurred to you that if you were to return, you could change the laws that made magic unaccessible to you?
SHICHI:
Mother would never allow that.
USAGI:
Mother will not be Empress forever. Remember, my daughter will be Empress one day. She could be greatly influenced by you, her only uncle – if you were there. And mother would welcome you with open arms.
SHICHI:
Mother is still the Empress. I'm not so sure she'll be happy to see me.
USAGI:
You have no need to fear her, I will protect you. I have become her
favorite since my Yana is her only grand daughter, and future heir to the
Emerald Throne. Think on it. We will discuss this again in the future.
SHICHI:
Usagi wait. There's someone I want you to see.
He's a good friend of mine and he's ill.
USAGI:
Syrrah is Priestess of the Healing Arts. If she cannot help
why would you think I can?
SHICHI:
Syrrah is doing all she can but he's half vampire and I think your
training may better suit his needs.
USAGI:
Half vampire? There is no such being. One is either vampire or not,
one of the walking undead or the living, he cannot be both.
SHICHI:
He wasn't turned in the usual way. He was never bitten. A powerful
sorceress made him what he is. No one knows how she did it.
USAGI:
Magic turned him? How intriguing.
SHICHI:
There's more. He's Karanthir, known to you as the consort of Zyfan.
USAGI:
The Prince's paramour?
SHICHI:
Does that make a difference?
